- Language Policy Sparks Debate
- Hindi Panel Report Awaited
- Language Debate Resurfaces
Article Today, Maharashtra:
The Marati language issue in Maharashtra has once again triggered political debate. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made clear remarks on the question of linguistic priority in the State. Speaking at a literary conference in Satara, he asserted that Marathi would continue to enjoy primacy in Maharashtra and that there was no question of imposing any other language.
Marati Remains Mandatory
The Chief Minister stated that Marati alone would remain compulsory in schools across the State. He noted that earlier recommendations to introduce Hindi as a third language from Class I had drawn strong opposition, following which the government decided not to proceed with them. Students, he said, were free to learn any Indian language of their choice, but the government would not enforce any language through compulsion.
Committee Report Awaited
Meanwhile, the government has constituted a committee under economist Narendra Jadhav to study the implementation of Hindi in the school curriculum. Fadnavis said the committee’s report was in its final stages. A decision on if and when a third language should be introduced would be taken only after the report was submitted. Until then, Marathi would continue as the principal language in schools.
Question on Foreign Languages
Raising a broader cultural concern, the Chief Minister questioned the growing preference for foreign languages such as English, French and Spanish. He asked why Indian languages faced resistance when foreign languages were often welcomed without hesitation. He emphasised that respect for Indian languages was not merely a political issue but a matter of cultural self-respect.
Classical Language Status
Fadnavis also expressed satisfaction over Marati being accorded classical language status. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative. However, he said the government should not stop at symbolic recognition alone. Efforts would be made to promote Marathi across the country and to accelerate the translation of Marathi literature into other Indian languages.
Freedom of Expression
Addressing concerns over literary freedom, the Chief Minister said imposing restrictions on literature posed a risk to democracy. Dismissing claims that the Constitution was under threat, he argued that democracy remained strong as long as free thought and literary expression continued. He assured that the State government would spare no expense in promoting the growth and development of the Marathi language.
Political Undertones
The remarks have been widely viewed as politically significant, especially amid ongoing debates on language policy. While supporters see the statement as a firm defence of Marathi identity, critics argue that the issue reflects deeper tensions over linguistic and cultural priorities in the State.
