Raj-Language-Hindi
Mumbai April 18 (UNI) The language controversy has come to the forefront in Maharashtra politics though the state has decided to implement the National Education Policy making Hindi a compulsory third language from standard I-V in Marathi and English medium schools in the state.
Currently, only Marathi and English are being taught as mandatory languages from Classes 1 to 4 in these schools.
Prominent politicians have spoken out against “foisting” of Hindi in the state with Raj Thackeray of MNS being the latest one to threaten a statewide agitation.
The state’s curriculum planning steering committee had earlier recommended options other than Hindi from the first grade. However, many politicians have alleged that the Education Department has ignored the recommendation and has forced Hindi on the state.
Raj Thackeray has voiced his strong opposition to the education department’s decision in a podcast anchored by actor, producer-director Mahesh Manjrekar.
“We need our people who are in government …and look at the Marathi language issue. Merely celebrating the language day or getting the status of a classical language will not lead to the promotion of Marathi language,” said the MNS chief.
“If development means turning a blind eye to the existence of Marathi people, we do not want it. The flyovers being built today look great, but if this is ending the existence of Marathi people, we do not want such development,” he added.
The Centre’s National Education Policy envisages a three-language formula. According to it, Hindi is introduced as a subject from class 1 in the state.
“The government is trying to create a Marathi-Marathi conflict in the upcoming municipal elections, which the MNS will never tolerate,” said Raj Thackeray.
The MNS chief has warned the government that Hindi books from the school curriculum will not be sold in shops and that schools will not be allowed to distribute those books to students.
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