Only Marathi & English be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray to govt
In a recent development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has written to the state government demanding a written order that only two languages–Marathi and English–be taught from Class 1 onwards in state board schools. This comes after the government had earlier declared this decision, but failed to issue a written order. Thackeray has warned that the MNS will launch an agitation if the government rolls back this decision.
The MNS chief’s letter to the state government highlights the importance of promoting Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra, in schools. He has emphasized that the state government’s failure to implement this decision has led to a decline in the use of Marathi in everyday life, particularly among the younger generation. Thackeray has also expressed concern that the absence of a written order has led to a lack of clarity among parents, teachers, and school administrators.
Thackeray’s demand is not without merit. Maharashtra is a multilingual state with 17 official languages, including Marathi, which has played a significant role in shaping the state’s culture, literature, and identity. The importance of promoting Marathi in schools cannot be overstated, as it is not only a means of preserving the state’s cultural heritage but also a vital tool for social and economic development.
Moreover, the decline of Marathi in everyday life is a pressing concern. With the increasing influence of English and other languages, Marathi is facing the threat of being marginalized. This not only has implications for the state’s cultural identity but also undermines the language’s ability to serve as a unifying force for the people of Maharashtra.
The demand for teaching only Marathi and English in schools is not a new one. In 2018, the Maharashtra government had declared that Marathi would be the primary language of instruction in state board schools, with English being taught as a secondary language. However, the implementation of this decision was left to individual schools, leading to a lack of uniformity and confusion.
Thackeray’s warning of an agitation if the government rolls back this decision is a serious one. The MNS has a reputation for being a powerful and influential organization, with a significant following across the state. Any agitation launched by the MNS could have far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to daily life, economic losses, and damage to the state’s reputation.
However, it is also important to recognize that the decision to teach only Marathi and English in schools is not without its challenges. The education sector in Maharashtra faces significant challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources. Implementing this decision would require significant investments in teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure development.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential impact on students from non-Marathi speaking backgrounds. While the demand for teaching only Marathi and English is driven by a desire to promote the state’s official language, it may also marginalize students who do not speak Marathi at home. This could lead to a lack of access to education and social exclusion.
In conclusion, Raj Thackeray’s demand for teaching only Marathi and English in schools is a pressing concern that requires careful consideration. While the decision is driven by a legitimate concern about promoting the state’s official language, it also raises important questions about the challenges of implementing this decision and the potential impact on students from non-Marathi speaking backgrounds.
Ultimately, the decision to teach only Marathi and English in schools requires a nuanced and multifaceted approach that balances the need to promote the state’s official language with the need to ensure access to education for all students. The Maharashtra government must take a proactive approach to addressing these challenges and ensure that any decision taken is in the best interests of the state’s students and citizens.
Source:
https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
