Authorities in the Maharashtra’s Thane district issued strict warning to English secondary schools, especially the authorities associated with CBSE and ICSE councils, against the limitation of the use of marathi students on academic ground. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/Istockphoto
Authorities in the Maharashtra’s Thane district issued strict warning to English secondary schools, especially the authorities associated with CBSE and ICSE councils, against the limitation of the use of marathi students on academic ground. The circular issued by the Thane Zilla Parisad (ZP) department (ZP) said on Tuesday that repressive measures would be promoted against schools that only promote policy for English and divine use of marathi.
The Directive comes after the ministry received complaints that some English secondary schools were allegedly discouraging or even humiliating students for talking to Marathi-Nejen in classes, but also during extracurricular activities and informal communication in school. With a serious comment on these reports, the officer of the primary education of Balasheb Rakshe, issued a circular regulation of the use of marathi in everyday school interactions and events.
The circular was invited by a complaint filed at the beginning of this month by Secretary General of Maharashtra Navnirman Hyrez (MNS) Sandeep Pachange. MNS claimed that some CBSE and ICSE schools in the district penalized students for using marathi, which contributes to growing cultural and language imbalances in the educational system.
The Directive of the ZP recalled all primary and secondary schools that according to the government resolution of 13 December 2023, Marathi must be integrated into the overall school environment. This includes not only marathi language classes, but also communication between students and teachers, cultural programs, drama, speech competitions and other routine activities.
“The school is unacceptable for schools, especially when state policy clearly orders its integration into everyday school life,” the circle said. “Our goal is to restore the legitimate place of the mother tongue and ensure that no student feels ashamed or marginalized for talking.”
The MNS welcomed the directive and stated that it was a much needed step towards promoting language dignity and preventing students from developing a complex in the complex than their mother tongue. “This step is confirmed by our cultural roots,” said Mr. Pachen.
Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi hay, the student wing of MNS, also expanded their support and said that students must be encouraged to maintain fluency in Marathi for personal confidence and cultural protection.
(With PTI inputs)
Published – April 15 2025 20:20 is
