Only Marathi & English be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray to govt
In a recent move, 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 declared this decision earlier but failed to issue a written order, prompting Thackeray to warn that the MNS will launch an agitation if the government rolls back the decision.
Thackeray’s letter to the government highlights the importance of promoting Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra, and English, which is essential for global communication. He argues that by teaching only these two languages, the government can ensure that students develop a strong foundation in both the mother tongue and the language of international communication.
The MNS chief has been a vocal advocate for promoting Marathi and has been pushing for its inclusion in the school curriculum. He believes that by giving prominence to Marathi, the government can help preserve the state’s cultural heritage and promote national integration.
Thackeray’s demand has been met with a mixed response from various quarters. While some have welcomed the move, saying it will help preserve the state’s cultural identity, others have raised concerns about the potential limitations this may impose on students. Critics argue that by restricting the number of languages taught, students may be deprived of opportunities to learn other languages and cultures.
However, proponents of Thackeray’s demand argue that the focus on Marathi and English will not only promote linguistic and cultural diversity but also enhance the employability of students. They point out that many multinational companies operate in Maharashtra, and having a strong command of English is essential to succeed in the job market.
The government’s decision to declare that only Marathi and English will be taught from Class 1 onwards was announced earlier, but it failed to issue a written order. This has led to confusion among school administrators and teachers, who are unsure about the implementation of the decision. Thackeray’s letter is an attempt to clarify the government’s stance on this issue and ensure that the decision is implemented in letter and spirit.
The MNS chief has threatened to launch an agitation if the government rolls back its decision. He has called upon his party workers to be prepared to take to the streets and protest against any attempt to dilute the government’s decision. Thackeray has also appealed to the people of Maharashtra to support the MNS’s demand and ensure that the government is compelled to implement its decision.
While the debate over the number of languages taught in schools is ongoing, one thing is clear – the issue is not just about language, but also about cultural identity and national integration. The government’s decision to promote Marathi and English is an attempt to strike a balance between preserving the state’s cultural heritage and preparing students for the global job market.
In conclusion, the demand by Raj Thackeray for only Marathi and English to be taught in schools is a complex issue that has far-reaching implications for the education sector in Maharashtra. While some may see it as a restriction on linguistic and cultural diversity, others believe that it is essential to promote the state’s official language and enhance the employability of students. The government’s decision to declare that only these two languages will be taught from Class 1 onwards is a welcome move, and it is essential that the government issues a written order to clarify its stance on this issue.
Source: https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
