Only Marathi & English be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray to govt
In a recent move, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has demanded a written order from the state government to make only two languages – Marathi and English – compulsory subjects from Class 1 onwards in state board schools. This demand is not new, as the government had earlier announced this decision, but failed to issue a written order. Raj Thackeray has warned that if the government rolls back this decision, the MNS will launch an agitation to protect the interests of the state’s language and culture.
The MNS chief took to social media to express his concerns and demands. “I’ve written a letter to the state government demanding a written order to make Marathi and English compulsory subjects from Class 1 onwards in state board schools. The government had announced this decision earlier, but didn’t issue a written order. We won’t tolerate any backtracking on this decision,” Raj Thackeray tweeted.
Raj Thackeray’s demand is based on the argument that the state’s language and culture are in danger of being lost due to the proliferation of other languages in schools. He believes that by making Marathi and English the only languages taught in schools, the state can preserve its cultural heritage and identity.
The MNS chief has also expressed his concern over the decline of Marathi language and culture in the state. “Marathi is the mother tongue of this state, and we can’t let it fade away. The government must take concrete steps to protect and promote Marathi language and culture. This is the responsibility of the government, and we expect them to take it seriously,” he said in his tweet.
Raj Thackeray’s demand has sparked a debate on social media, with many people expressing their opinions on the issue. While some people have supported his demand, others have criticized it, calling it an attempt to impose a language on people. “Language is a personal choice, and people should be free to choose which language they want to learn,” said one Twitter user.
However, many people have also come out in support of Raj Thackeray’s demand. “It’s high time we take steps to protect our language and culture. Marathi is an important part of our identity, and we must preserve it,” said another Twitter user.
The state government has not yet responded to Raj Thackeray’s demand, but the MNS chief has warned that the party will launch an agitation if the government rolls back the decision. “We’ll take to the streets if the government tries to back down on this decision. We won’t let our language and culture be marginalized,” he said.
This demand is not without precedent. In 2018, the state government had announced that Marathi would be a compulsory subject from Class 1 onwards in state board schools. However, the decision was met with opposition from many parents and educators, who argued that it would put additional pressure on students.
The issue of language in schools is a contentious one, and it’s not limited to Maharashtra. In many parts of the country, there are disputes over which language should be taught in schools, and how much emphasis should be placed on the mother tongue.
In conclusion, Raj Thackeray’s demand that only Marathi and English be taught in schools is a complex issue that has sparked a debate on social media. While some people have supported his demand, others have criticized it, calling it an attempt to impose a language on people. The state government has not yet responded to his demand, but the MNS chief has warned that the party will launch an agitation if the government rolls back the decision.
Source: https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
