Marathi Language Usage Now Required in Maharashtra
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has mandated the use of Marathi in all government and local self-governance institutions. The initiative aims to promote and preserve the language across various sectors, ensuring its prominence in official communications.
Key Takeaways
- Marathi language is now mandatory in all government institutions.
- Notice boards must be displayed in Marathi.
- Complaints against non-compliance can be filed.
- Implementation will be overseen by District Level Marathi Language Committees.
- Advertisements by government-approved entities must be in Marathi.
Mumbai, Feb 3 (NationPress) In a significant initiative to support, preserve, promote, disseminate, and develop the Marathi language, the Maharashtra government has mandated the use of Marathi in communications within government, semi-government, local self-government institutions, government corporations, and government-granted offices.
Notice boards in Marathi will also be compulsory. Furthermore, all computers acquired through the government procurement and subsidy scheme must feature keyboards that support Marathi as well as Roman script.
The Deputy Secretary of the State Planning Department, Milind Kulkarni, announced this in a government resolution on Monday.
The resolution stipulates that complaints can be lodged against government officers or employees who fail to communicate in Marathi, directed to the relevant Head of Office or Head of Department.
The Head of Office or Department will investigate the complaint, and disciplinary measures will be taken if the officer or employee is found at fault. The complainant will be informed of the outcome. If the measures taken are deemed inadequate, an appeal can be addressed to the Marathi Language Committee of the Legislative Assembly.
In accordance with the Maharashtra Official Language Act of 1964, all official documents, correspondence, notices, orders, and messages must be in Marathi, and all office presentations and websites should also follow this guideline.
The implementation of the Marathi Language Policy at the district level will be the responsibility of the District Level Marathi Language Committee.
As mandated by the Central Government’s Multilingualism Act, notice boards and official name boards in all Central Government offices and banks in the state must be displayed prominently in Marathi. Only the Marathi names approved by the Government will be permitted for use.
Additionally, the use of Marathi will be compulsory in advertisements disseminated by government-sanctioned enterprises. All advertisements, tenders, and meeting announcements published in Marathi newspapers must be exclusively in Marathi.
All relevant departments will also be tasked with allocating funds necessary for the execution of the Marathi Language Policy. This announcement follows the state cabinet's approval of the Marathi Language Policy by the Marathi Language Department.
“The need for Marathisation is evident. Utilizing the Marathi language for communication and transactions at every level is crucial,” stated an official.
Recommendations have been proposed in the Marathi Language Policy for its application across various sectors including education, higher and technical education, computer science, legal and judicial matters, finance, industry, and media.
The primary aim of this policy is to establish Marathi as the language of knowledge and employment within the next 25 years.
“To realize the goals of the Marathi Language Policy, it is vital to implement the recommendations set forth. Therefore, all departments and offices must urgently commence the review and execution of these recommendations,” the government resolution emphasizes.
(Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in)
