Only Marathi & English be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray to govt
In a recent development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has written a letter 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. The demand has been made in response to the government’s earlier declaration of the same, but without issuing a written order.
Raj Thackeray, known for his strong stance on preserving Marathi language and culture, has warned the government that the MNS will launch an agitation if the decision is rolled back. This move is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about language education in the state.
Background
The debate about language education in Maharashtra has been ongoing for years, with various stakeholders having different opinions on the matter. The state government has been under pressure to address the issue, and in recent months, there have been several developments that have led to this latest demand from Raj Thackeray.
In the past, the government had introduced a policy of teaching Marathi as the primary language in schools, alongside English. However, this move was met with resistance from some sections, who argued that it was not practical to make English the secondary language. The government then changed its stance and declared that both Marathi and English would be taught equally, but without issuing a written order.
The lack of a written order has led to confusion among school administrators, teachers, and parents, and has resulted in some schools not following the government’s declared policy. This is where Raj Thackeray’s demand for a written order comes in, as he believes that it is essential to have a clear and written directive to ensure that the policy is implemented uniformly across the state.
Rationale behind the demand
Raj Thackeray has made it clear that the MNS is not opposed to the teaching of other languages, but believes that Marathi and English are essential languages for the development of the state and its people. He argues that Marathi is the mother tongue of the people of Maharashtra and plays a vital role in preserving the state’s culture and heritage. English, on the other hand, is an essential language for global communication and is necessary for the state’s economic development.
The MNS chief has also cited the example of other states, where there is a focus on teaching the local language alongside English. He believes that this approach has helped to preserve the local culture and identity, while also preparing students for the global job market.
Impact on education
The demand for a written order on language education has significant implications for the education sector in Maharashtra. If implemented, it could lead to a change in the way language education is approached in the state.
On the positive side, the move could lead to a greater emphasis on the teaching of Marathi, which could help to preserve the language and culture of the state. It could also lead to a more cohesive approach to language education, with a clear and written directive on which languages should be taught.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to the demand. For example, it could lead to a reduction in the teaching of other languages, such as Hindi, German, or French, which are currently taught in some schools. This could limit the educational opportunities of students who are interested in learning these languages.
Conclusion
Raj Thackeray’s demand for a written order on language education in Maharashtra has significant implications for the education sector in the state. While the move is intended to preserve the Marathi language and culture, it could also have unintended consequences for other languages and the educational opportunities of students.
The government must now consider the demand carefully and weigh the pros and cons of implementing a written order on language education. It is essential that any decision is made in the best interests of students and the state as a whole.
Source: https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
