Shillong, September 24, 2026: Leaders of the All Khasi Hills Achik Garo Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Thursday met senior Meghalaya Government officials to press for the inclusion of the Garo language in examinations conducted by the District Selection Committees (DSCs) across the State.

The delegation first met Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, at the State Secretariat. The matter was subsequently referred to Isawanda Laloo, IAS, who oversees the functioning of the DSCs.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, committee leader John D. Sangma said the delegation received a positive response from the officials. He said Laloo assured the committee that the demand would be seriously examined, although no specific timeframe was given.

The JAC is seeking permission for eligible candidates to write DSC examinations in Garo, particularly in districts with a significant Garo-speaking population. Sangma said the absence of a Garo language option could disadvantage candidates from the Garo community.

The committee argued that Khasi and Garo are both recognised languages of Meghalaya and should receive equal consideration in government recruitment examinations. It said candidates should not be required to answer a language paper only in Khasi in areas where Garo is widely spoken.

Sangma said the issue had previously been raised with Governor C.H. Vijayashankar and other government representatives. The committee plans to continue meeting ministers and senior officials until its demand is addressed.

He added that the organisation would consult its district units and representatives before deciding on its next course of action. A further public meeting is also expected to be held to gather public views and support for the demand.

According to Sangma, the campaign has received support from members of the Garo community living in the Khasi Hills region. He expressed hope that the State Government would consider the demand and provide a more inclusive language option in DSC examinations.