Synopsis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that Marathi is the only compulsory language in the state. He emphasized that other Indian languages should be respected, just like foreign languages. The government is awaiting a committee report on the three-language formula. Fadnavis also highlighted Marathi’s classical language status and the need for its wider acceptance across India.
ANI Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Pune: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday asserted that only Marathi is compulsory in Maharashtra and no other language will be imposed.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 99th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (All-India Marathi literary meet) at Satara, he, however, also said it was wrong to oppose other Indian languages while rolling out the red carpet for foreign languages such as French and Spanish.
Last year, the BJP-led government revoked its decision to introduce Hindi as a third language from the first standard in schools in Maharashtra following intense protests, and set up a committee to examine the issue.
The issue of language compulsion is being widely debated, Fadnavis noted in his speech.
“As chief minister, I want to clearly state that in Maharashtra, only Marathi is compulsory. No other language is compulsory. However, there were differing opinions regarding the three-language formula. Students have the freedom to learn any Indian language of their choice. The only question was from which standard the third language should be introduced,” he said.
A report prepared during the MVA government recommended making Hindi compulsory from the first standard, and his government initially pursued this proposal, Fadnavis said, referring to the controversy.
“But there was a widespread debate and opposition to making the language compulsory from the first standard. Therefore, a committe
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