MNS welcomes revoking of compulsory Hindi GRs
(MNS) has welcomed the state govt's decision to withdraw the controversial government resolutions (GRs) mandating Hindi as a compulsory third language from Class I. The party has called it a victory for Marathi pride and a direct result of party chief
's steadfast opposition.
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Nagpur-based Sharad Bhandarkar, state general secretary of MNS Shikshak Shikshattar Sena (teaching and non-teaching staff association), said the move reflects the party's long-standing stand on protecting Marathi language and culture. "Since Marathi was accorded Classical status, there were efforts by some to undermine its importance. We are not against Hindi," he said, "but you cannot keep it mandatory for such young kids.
" He clarified that MNS does not oppose the existing three-language formula, under which Marathi is already compulsory. "Marathi is the official language of the state and must remain mandatory in schools," Bhandarkar added.
He noted that the issue could have electoral implications. "This issue will impact elections too. In local body polls, people connect with local issues. And our Marathi pride, our language is one of these issues.
People will remember who stood up for Marathi and who tried to sideline it," Bhandarkar said.
The controversy took a decisive turn on Sunday evening when CM Devendra Fadnavis announced cancellation of the GR at an event in Mumbai. The state govt also constituted a committee to re-examine the three-language policy framework.
On Monday, Raj Thackeray addressed the media and reiterated that he would not allow language imposition on Maharashtra. He said that a planned protest march scheduled for July 5 would now be celebrated as a 'victory rally' following the govt withdrawing the GR.
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