Shillong, April 10: The Education Department of Meghalaya has proposed making Khasi and Garo compulsory in all schools up to Class 4 to strengthen multilingual education and promote cultural understanding.
Under the draft policy, Khasi and Jaintia-speaking students will learn basic Garo, while Garo-speaking students will study basic Khasi. Students from Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, or Nepali-speaking backgrounds will be introduced to one of the two, based on their school’s location.
The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates early multilingual learning. Research suggests that bilingual children develop stronger cognitive skills, supporting Meghalaya’s push for early exposure to multiple languages.
Beyond academics, the proposal seeks to preserve Khasi and Garo while fostering unity. “Basic knowledge of each other’s language bridges cultural gaps,” the policy states, emphasizing the role of language in shaping a shared identity.
The proposal introduces structured language learning across school levels, ensuring continuity beyond Class 4. However, challenges such as a shortage of trained teachers will be addressed through bilingual textbooks and targeted teacher training.
The Education Department is inviting feedback from stakeholders, with suggestions welcome via email at [email protected] until May 9, 2025.
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