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 decision comes after the government had previously declared this policy 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.
As per the report, Thackeray has written to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Education Minister Ashish Shelar, stating that the government’s earlier declaration was not sufficient and that a written order needs to be issued to ensure that the decision is implemented effectively. He has also urged the government to take necessary steps to prevent the inclusion of any other language in the curriculum.
Thackeray’s move is seen as an attempt to promote the use of Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra, and to reduce the prominence of other languages in the state’s education system. The MNS has been known for its efforts to promote the use of Marathi and has often clashed with the government over issues related to language and culture.
The decision to teach only Marathi and English in schools is also seen as a move to reduce the burden on students and make the education system more efficient. Many students in Maharashtra struggle with the burden of learning multiple languages, and the focus on only two languages could help to simplify the curriculum and make it more effective.
However, the decision has also raised concerns among some educators and linguists, who argue that limiting the curriculum to only two languages could be detrimental to students’ linguistic and cultural development. They point out that learning multiple languages is an essential part of a well-rounded education and that the inclusion of other languages in the curriculum can help to promote cultural diversity and understanding.
Despite these concerns, the MNS is likely to continue to push for the implementation of its demands. Thackeray has a reputation for being a strong advocate for the rights of the Marathi-speaking community, and his party has a significant following in Maharashtra. The MNS has also been known to use aggressive tactics to push its agenda, including organizing protests and rallies.
The government, on the other hand, is likely to face pressure from various quarters to roll back the decision. Many educators and linguists have expressed concerns about the implications of limiting the curriculum to only two languages, and there are likely to be protests and demonstrations against the decision.
In conclusion, the demand by Raj Thackeray that only Marathi and English be taught in schools is a complex issue that has both proponents and opponents. While the MNS argues that the decision is necessary to promote the use of Marathi and to simplify the education system, others argue that limiting the curriculum to only two languages could be detrimental to students’ linguistic and cultural development. The government will need to carefully consider the implications of this decision before making a final ruling.
Source: https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
