Key Highlights:
- Marathi Mandated in Offices: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis makes speaking and working in Marathi compulsory in all government, semi-government, and municipal offices.
- Marathi on Keyboards: Computer keyboards funded by government grants must include Marathi Devanagari script alongside Roman letters.
- Digital Preservation: Fadnavis emphasizes using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to preserve Marathi literature and promote it among future generations.
Mumbai: In a significant step toward promoting the Marathi language, the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has issued an order making the use of Marathi mandatory in all government, semi-government, and municipal offices across the state. This initiative aims to establish Marathi as a language of knowledge and employment over the next 25 years.
The decision reflects the state’s commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage while adapting to modern technology for its promotion. The order was officially issued on Sunday and includes detailed guidelines for implementing Marathi as the primary language of communication in government-related activities.
Mandatory Use of Marathi in Official Communication
According to the directive:
- All employees in government and semi-government offices, corporations, and municipal bodies must speak in Marathi when addressing visitors.
- Exceptions are made for individuals from outside India or non-Marathi-speaking states.
- Violations of this rule will be treated as official indiscipline, with formal complaints allowed against offenders.
The order further states that dissatisfied complainants can escalate their grievances to the Marathi Language Committee of the Maharashtra Legislature.
Marathi Devanagari Script on Keyboards
To integrate Marathi into modern workspaces, the government has mandated that all computer keyboards purchased with state funds must include:
- Engraved alphabets in Marathi Devanagari script, alongside Roman letters.
- This requirement extends to all new purchases made by government offices or enterprises receiving public grants.
Additionally, advertisements issued by government-approved enterprises must also use Marathi as a primary language.
Preserving Marathi Literature Through AI
Speaking at the third ‘World Marathi Conference’ held at Pune’s Ferguson College, CM Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the importance of preserving Marathi literature digitally. He directed the Marathi Language Department to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based language models for this purpose.
Fadnavis emphasized that AI could play a pivotal role in making Marathi literature accessible to younger generations. He instructed officials to create a small language model using AI tools to digitize and archive valuable works of Marathi literature.
“It is essential to blend tradition with technology,” Fadnavis said, adding that such initiatives would ensure that Marathi remains relevant in an increasingly digital world.
Accountability for Compliance
To ensure adherence to these new rules:
- Formal complaints can be lodged against officials who fail to comply with the directive.
- Office or department heads are tasked with taking disciplinary action against violators.
- If complainants are dissatisfied with the resolution, they can appeal to the legislative committee overseeing the promotion of the Marathi language.
A Vision for the Next 25 Years
The Fadnavis government aims to position Marathi as a leading language for knowledge dissemination and employment opportunities over the next quarter-century. By integrating technology and enforcing its use across official platforms, Maharashtra seeks to preserve its linguistic identity while fostering inclusivity for non-Marathi speakers through structured exceptions.
A Step Toward Linguistic Empowerment
The Maharashtra government’s decision marks a significant step toward strengthening regional identity while embracing technological advancements. By mandating Marathi in official communication and leveraging AI for digital preservation, CM Devendra Fadnavis has laid out a forward-looking vision for promoting one of India’s most vibrant languages.
As these measures take effect, they are expected not only to preserve Maharashtra’s cultural heritage but also to inspire similar initiatives across other Indian states aiming to protect their linguistic traditions.
