Maharashtra Enforces Marathi as the Official Language in All Government Offices
The Maharashtra government has formally ratified a policy making Marathi the mandatory language for communication in all government offices across the state. The directive, which was first announced in March 2024, will now hold employees in government, semi-government, government corporations, and local bodies accountable for speaking in Marathi. The new rule also empowers citizens to file complaints against any government officer or employee who fails to comply with this mandate.
New Guidelines and Complaint Mechanism
The Maharashtra government’s policy mandates that Marathi must be the language of communication in all government offices. According to the official order, all employees and officers in government departments, corporations, and local bodies must use Marathi for official communication.
The policy also introduces a complaint mechanism. If an employee or officer does not speak in Marathi during official work, citizens can file a complaint with the head of the department. If the department head fails to take action, the issue can be escalated to the Marathi language committee within the state legislature. This is aimed at ensuring that the policy is upheld and that Marathi is consistently used in government settings.
Marathi in Government Documents and Signage
Along with verbal communication, the policy extends to written communication as well. All official applications, signboards, and advertisements issued by state government departments must now be in Marathi. This new rule aligns with the central government’s multi-language policy, which stipulates that government establishments must use English, Hindi, and the regional language for official documentation and communication.
The move is part of a broader effort to promote the use of regional languages in official settings and ensure that Marathi maintains its status as the language of the state.
Strengthening Regional Language Usage
This development is significant for the state, as it seeks to preserve and promote the use of Marathi in all spheres of governance. With an emphasis on local language integration, the policy aims to improve accessibility for citizens, particularly those who may be less comfortable with English or Hindi. Marathi, being the official language of the state, holds cultural importance, and its use in government communications aims to reinforce local identity and pride.
Impact on Maharashtra’s Government Offices
The decision to make Marathi mandatory in government offices will likely bring about several changes in the working dynamics of government institutions. Employees will need to be proficient in Marathi to meet the new standards, and government communication will now cater to the state’s linguistic preferences.
This policy aligns with a growing trend of strengthening regional languages and ensuring that they are used in administrative functions. By mandating Marathi in official settings, Maharashtra is reinforcing the importance of its native language while promoting inclusivity for all state citizens.
A Step Toward Inclusivity and Cultural Pride
This decision comes at a time when states across India are reinforcing the use of regional languages to preserve their cultural heritage and ensure better communication with citizens. The Marathi language policy is seen as a significant step toward cultural preservation while ensuring that the government’s operations are accessible to everyone in the state.
Key Takeaways:
- Maharashtra has mandated the use of Marathi in all state government offices.
- Employees who fail to comply can face complaints, leading to potential disciplinary action.
- Official documents, signboards, and advertisements from government departments must now be in Marathi.
- The policy aligns with the central government’s language policy, which includes a three-language system.
By enforcing Marathi as the official language of government offices, Maharashtra is strengthening its cultural identity and promoting better communication with its people. The introduction of complaint mechanisms ensures accountability, making it a landmark decision in the state’s governance.
