SHILLONG, APR 22: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has written to the Union Education Minister seeking inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Central Board of School Education (CBSE)’s scheme of languages, warning that students in Meghalaya will be at a “disadvantage” under the board’s new three-language policy from 2026–27.
“Recently, the CBSE has mandated that the three languages – R1, R2 and R3 – and in the scheme of language of CBSE, Khasi and Garo are not there. So, it would be very difficult for the students of Meghalaya because Khasi and Garo are not included in the 44 languages of the CBSE,” Rymbui told reporters on Wednesday.
He said Khasi and Garo are currently offered in CBSE schools only till Class VIII, as mandated by the RTE and National Education Policy for mother tongue instruction at the elementary level. However, under CBSE’s new policy, three languages will be compulsory from Class VI starting 2026–27, with board exams in all three in Class X from 2031.
“The problem is what language they will take and exams will be conducted for R1, R2 and R3… So there will be a problem for the students of Meghalaya who are studying in these CBSE affiliated schools like JNV, KV and other private institutions,” he said.
Rymbui said there are nine private CBSE-affiliated schools in the state, besides Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and two functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools at Pahamsyiem and Samanda. Another 36 EMRS are in the pipeline.
“More than 2000 students every year will appear in the CBSE exams,” he added.
The minister said he had raised the issue with CBSE immediately after the notification.
“The moment the notification from the CBSE came out, I took time… I have met the chairman of the CBSE and explained to him that if Garo and Khasi language is not there in the scheme of language of the CBSE, the students of Meghalaya will find it very difficult.”
He added that the state Cabinet had on April 16 decided that Khasi and Garo are official languages of Meghalaya.
“I have written to the education minister, I have met the CBSE chairman and I will continue (to pursue the issue) and I hope in times to come that the government of India, the NCERT can prepare the textbooks and CBSE could introduce Khasi and Garo,” Rymbui said.
“As of now, if there is no material, I have suggested why not use MBOSE expertise in this at least in Garo and Khasi language so that the students will be benefited.”
Rymbui said inclusion would also create jobs and strengthen the case for the Eighth Schedule.
“If Khasi and Garo languages are being offered in these schools it will also open up employment opportunities in the different schools,” he said.
“We may be able to convince the central government that please as per resolution of the Meghalaya government to include Khasi and Garo language also in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India.”
“I am very positive I will be able to convince the central government and CBSE in due course of time, Khasi and Garo will be taught in the CBSE affiliated schools,” he added.
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