The Maharashtra Assembly has passed a bill making Marathi the official language of Local Governments

The Maharashtra legislature unanimously passed a bill on Thursday that aims to make the use of Marathi mandatory for the official work of local authorities, including civic bodies and corporations formed by the state government, with an eye on the upcoming local and civic body elections and in a bid to keep the 'Marathi Manoos' in good humour. Subhash Desai, a State Minister, said the bill was necessary since the Maharashtra Official Language Act, 1964, had not done so.

 

Authorities have taken advantage of the Act's lack of a provision, according to Desai. "It is our goal to eliminate that error," he stated. "All communication and correspondence with the public in the state by the local authority's office, noting, drafting, all remarks, comments, and opinions, manuals, administrative proceedings, bylaws, notices,” Desai said. The minister did note, though, that local authorities can use English or Hindi for specific government tasks, such as interacting with foreign diplomats.

Desai further stated that English might be used to communicate with federal and state government departments, as well as the comptroller general.

 

"We are not leaving any loopholes for anyone to use as an excuse not to speak Marathi in public or business settings." Desai added, "The state government is also working on a lexicon of simple Marathi phrases that can be utilized in everyday activities." According to the bill, every local government office must appoint a suitable officer as a 'Marathi Language Officer' to carry out this function, which includes resolving complaints about the non-use of Marathi for official purposes and taking steps to ensure that the provisions are implemented effectively. In addition, district and state Marathi language committees will be established, as well as disciplinary authority. The disciplinary authority has the authority to take disciplinary action against a local government employee.

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @PRSLegislative