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Meghalaya Schools to Introduce Khasi and Garo for Children up to Class 1 From Next Academic Session

Meghalaya government approves Khasi and Garo language teaching for children up to Class 1, along with teacher pay revision, health initiatives and green building norms.

By : EduAdvice 2025-12-21 10:34:34

Shillong : The Meghalaya government has announced that Khasi and Garo, the state’s two principal indigenous languages, will be introduced for children up to Class 1 in schools, marking a major step towards strengthening early education through mother tongue learning.

The decision was taken by the state cabinet with the objective of reinforcing cultural identity, improving foundational learning outcomes and helping young children develop a strong sense of belonging from their earliest years. The new language textbooks will be optional in the upcoming academic year and will become mandatory from the following session, officials confirmed.

Early Language Learning to Strengthen Cultural Roots

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the move reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing confidence and cultural awareness among children.

“Children must grow with confidence and a sense of belonging. Learning our own languages early helps that,” Sangma said after chairing the cabinet meeting, according to PTI.

The revised curriculum will cover preschool to Class 1, focusing on simple concepts, moral values and early exposure to Meghalaya’s history, traditions and social practices.

New Textbooks to Be Phased In

Education officials said the decision to keep the textbooks optional for the first year was taken because many schools have already finalised their syllabi for the coming session. Full implementation will begin from the next academic year, when the new books will become compulsory across schools in the state.

Pay Revision Approved for Teachers

Alongside education reforms, the cabinet approved a revised pay structure for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan teachers and ad hoc teachers, addressing a long-pending demand. Teacher groups across Meghalaya have repeatedly raised concerns over low salaries and lack of job security, leading to protests in recent years.

The chief minister said the pay revision acknowledges the contribution of these teachers and aims to bring stability to the education system. The revised structure will be implemented in phases.

Mission Mode HIV/AIDS Project Gets Cabinet Nod

The cabinet also approved a five-year Mission Mode HIV/AIDS project with a total outlay of ₹25 crore. The programme will focus on awareness campaigns, strengthening health infrastructure and targeted interventions for high-risk groups, while supporting community-based organisations working in the health sector.

Green Building Norms and Key Appointments

Amendments to the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2021 were cleared, making green building certification mandatory for large construction projects to promote sustainable development and reduce environmental impact.

The cabinet also appointed former Meghalaya High Court Chief Justice S Vaidyanathan as the new chairperson of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission, filling a position that had remained vacant for some time.

Support for Livelihoods, Cooperatives and Sports

To strengthen rural livelihoods and local industries, the cabinet approved the formation of the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Investment Financing Cooperative Society Ltd, which will provide working capital and investment support to cooperative groups, agriculture initiatives and food processing units.

In preparation for a major sporting event, the cabinet also cleared the creation of a National Games Secretariat Society, which will oversee arrangements for the 39th National Games, scheduled to be hosted by Meghalaya.

With policy decisions spanning education, health, environment, livelihoods and sports, the cabinet meeting marked one of the most comprehensive governance initiatives undertaken by the state this year. Implementation of the approved measures will begin in a phased manner from the next academic session.

 

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