Maharashtra: Marathi Made Mandatory In Government Offices; Non-Compliance To Face Disciplinary Action

Maharashtra: Marathi Made Mandatory In Government Offices; Non-Compliance To Face Disciplinary Action
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has issued fresh directives enforcing the mandatory use of Marathi in all government and semi-government offices. Employees who fail to communicate in Marathi will face disciplinary action. Additionally, signboards, application forms, and official names in central government offices and banks must be in Marathi, with the implementation of these recommendations set to begin immediately.
Despite the Marathi Language Policy being announced nearly a year ago, the state observed a lack of awareness and compliance in government offices, prompting this renewed push. Since Marathi was granted classical language status, the state government has issued various directives to promote and preserve it. The Marathi Language Policy, introduced in March 2024 by the Mahayuti government, aims to establish Marathi as a language of knowledge and employment by India’s centenary of independence in 2047.
The Planning Department reiterated that Marathi must be the primary language of communication at all administrative levels. This applies to all government, semi-government offices, corporations, and state-aided institutions. Complaints against officials or employees not adhering to this rule can be filed with department heads, and those found guilty will face disciplinary action. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the action taken, they may appeal to the Legislature’s Marathi Language Committee.
In banks and central government offices, as per the central government’s three-language policy, all signboards, officer nameplates, and application forms must be in Marathi. Institutions must also adopt Marathi names, with no English translations allowed. Even establishments with bilingual names will now operate under their Marathi titles.