Maharashtra state government has officially mandated the use of Marathi as the primary language for communication within government offices and public institutions.
A recent government resolution (GR) lays down a comprehensive set of guidelines stating that all official communications, including documents, notices, and correspondence, should be conducted in Marathi.
The new policy also introduces penalties for non-compliance, marking a significant move to promote the regional language in all official affairs.
Key Highlights of the Government Resolution
The Maharashtra government’s decision comes in response to growing demands from cultural organizations, political groups, and language advocates who have called for stronger measures to preserve and promote Marathi.
According to the resolution:
- All government offices will now be required to use Marathi for internal and external communications.
- Documents, forms, and notices must be available in Marathi, with other languages, such as Hindi and English, used only where necessary.
- Public officials are expected to conduct their official duties using Marathi, including meetings and reports.
In cases of non-compliance, the government has outlined penalties.
These penalties will apply to individuals, departments, or institutions that fail to adhere to the new rules, with the possibility of financial fines or administrative actions.
Reasons Behind Mandating Marathi
The Maharashtra government emphasizes the importance of preserving the Marathi language as part of the state’s cultural heritage.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has expressed that Marathi is a “symbol of state pride,” and enforcing its use in official workspaces is necessary to keep the language relevant in today’s modern landscape.
Uddhav’s administration is ensuring that Marathi remains an essential part of the state’s identity and governance.
Additionally, the initiative aims to empower the common man by making government processes more accessible.
Advocates of the mandate believe that the shift will enhance transparency and efficiency in government functioning, especially for citizens who are more comfortable with Marathi than with English or Hindi.
Reactions to the Decision in Maharashtra
The decision to mandate Marathi has sparked a range of reactions across the state. Cultural organizations have largely welcomed the move, considering it an important step in preserving the language’s cultural significance.
Organizations like the Maharashtra Bhasha Samiti have praised the government for taking steps to make Marathi more dominant in everyday life.
However, the policy has faced some criticism from various quarters.
Some groups argue that the move could slow down operations in state-run offices, particularly those dealing with international or national interactions, where English or Hindi is often the lingua franca.
Additionally, the implementation costs, particularly for translating official materials and retraining government staff, have raised concerns.
What Does the Mandate Mean for Employees and Citizens in Maharashtra?
For employees in Maharashtra government offices, the mandate will require them to enhance their proficiency in Marathi or face penalties for non-compliance.
The government has already outlined measures for language training for its staff to ensure smooth implementation of the directive.
For citizens, this move promises more localized services and easier access to government documentation and processes in Marathi.
In the long term, the government believes that this will increase citizen satisfaction and engagement with state administration.
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