Latest news with #non-Marathi
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
New rule could disrupt in-house quota admissions for Class 11 students
A new state government rule could disrupt in-house quota admissions for class 11 students in several junior colleges in Pune. The revised guideline—introduced ahead of the statewide online admission process starting May 26—states that in-house quota seats will be available only if the school and junior college operated by the same management are located on the same campus. This marks a significant departure from previous practice, wherein colleges were allowed to reserve in-house seats even if they and the schools run by the same management were located on different campuses, often a few kilometres apart. The change is likely to impact several prominent institutions in Pune that run their schools and junior colleges on different campuses. On the sidelines of a children's book fair in Pune jointly organised by the National Book Trust, Pune Book Festival, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Samvaad Pune, Maharashtra school education minister Dada Bhuse said, 'This initiative is meant for the benefit of students. If school or college managements have any concerns, we are open to listening to them and will consider their views.' Explaining the rationale behind the change, Bhuse said that the revamped online admission system will ensure that students are admitted strictly on merit. 'In the past, there were cases where students with good marks could not secure seats in reputed colleges. With the new system, meritorious students will now get fair opportunities,' he said. The minister acknowledged technical issues in the application portal, particularly regarding the ₹100 fee payment but said that those glitches have been resolved. 'I personally monitored the updates. From tomorrow, the entire process will run smoothly without any glitches,' he said. The state had previously implemented the online Class 11 admission system in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Amravati. This year, it is being extended across Maharashtra. Admitting that rural students face hurdles such as poor connectivity and lack of smartphones, Bhuse maintained that the government was committed to long-term reforms. 'Whatever positive outcomes emerge from this system, we will share the same with you. The aim is to benefit students in the long run,' he said. Bhuse also said that the Maharashtra government has submitted a proposal to the union education minister three weeks ago, urging three changes: the inclusion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's history in the national school curriculum, recognition of Marathi as a classical language, and mandatory Marathi teaching in non-Marathi medium schools. 'The CBSE's recent decision to make Marathi compulsory in its schools is a direct outcome of these efforts,' he said.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru tech founder to shift office to Pune over language tensions, Kannadigas say ‘good riddance'
In a move driven by ongoing language tensions in Bengalur, a city-based tech founder has announced plans to wind up the company's office within six months and relocate operations to Pune. The decision comes amid growing concerns over pressure on non-Kannada-speaking staff in the city. The founder, Kaushik Mukherjee, said the move was prompted by what he termed "language nonsense," adding that he did not want his non-Kannada-speaking employees to become "victims" of the ongoing linguistic climate in Bengaluru. The idea, he revealed, was originally raised by his staff, whose concerns he chose to support. (Also Read: Bengaluru man flags lack of Kannada in vehicle loan papers: 'Took me 1.5 hours to understand') The announcement has stirred strong reactions online, with users weighing in on the implications. Some cautioned that Pune may not be entirely free from similar issues, warning, 'In Pune, there's a risk of your staff getting roughed up by MNS for not speaking Marathi.' Others suggested alternative cities like Gandhinagar or Noida, 'where no one cares about language.' Many commenters sarcastically applauded the founder's decision, saying, 'That's a great decision. Good riddance. Thank you for helping decongest our beloved city.' Others advised, 'Meanwhile, ask your non-Marathi staff to learn Marathi while you move to Pune.' (Also Read: 'Difficult to learn 200 local words?': Mohandas Pai reacts to row over SBI manager's refusal to speak Kannada) A fresh language controversy erupted recently in Bengaluru after a State Bank of India (SBI) manager reportedly refused to speak Kannada to a customer. The incident sparked outrage among locals who viewed the refusal as disrespect towards the regional language and culture. Social media quickly amplified the issue, with many demanding strict action against the bank official for ignoring the language sensitivities of the state.
Mint
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘Acting smart in Maharashtra?' UP cab driver gets thrashed despite speaking in Marathi
The language dispute in Maharashtra has once again sparked tension. The issue of Marathi imposition in the state is a widely-debated issue. However, in a recent viral video, a cab driver from Uttar Pradesh is seen being assaulted by passengers. The interesting part her is the driver, despite being from UP, did know how to speak in Marathi. The driver apparently arrived about five minutes late, and the ride got cancelled. The passengers demanded that he speak in Marathi. The driver tried. But, his fluency level did not match the expectations of the passengers, who started abusing and beating him. The video starts with one of the passengers demanding, 'Marathi bol (speak in Marathi).' The entire incident was caught on camera, and the 2-minute 49-second video quickly went viral. It clearly shows the passengers not just threatening the driver but also physically attacking him. The driver was asked his name, apparently to determine his origin. The driver said, 'Umesh Kumar Jaiswal.' He also added that his ancestral home was in Varanasi. 'So, you're acting smart in Maharashtra now?' says one of the passengers. The driver apologised for being late as he was asked to. But, his 'tone' was not impressive for the passengers. Then starts a series of explicits in Marathi as the passengers demanded a justification for being late. The driver is asked to come out of the vehicle. When he does, he gets beaten by them. After the video went viral, people on social media strongly criticised the incident. Users called it 'bullying in the name of language' and demanded strict action. According to many, language is meant to connect people, not divide them. 'He knew Marathi, he was calm in the convo he even said sorry, and lastly got slapped. Got nothing but abuse! Sad it is,' wrote a Reddit user. Another user wrote, 'They have no guts to target rich people.' 'This is how we will become a larger economy than China,' came a sarcastic reply. "So, they don't have a problem with non-Marathi speakers, but with non-Marathi people," reacted a Twitter (now X) user. 'Maharashtra is becoming new Bengaluru,' came from another. 'Is the Indian Army fighting to protect these fools? Such people eat the country like termites,' reacted another. 'Nowadays, a very common problem but India is a democratic country so every citizen has the right to speak any language so there shouldn't be any big issue regarding language problems,' wrote one user. The incident follows another incident involving a pizza delivery boy. Rohit Lavare was harassed by a Mumbai couple for not speaking in Marathi. Later, the pizza delivery boy was made to apologise at an MNS office. The boy said it was all a misunderstanding. Social media, however, was not convinced.
Hindustan Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gen-Z will not forgive us if we fail to reunite: Sena (UBT)
After resistance from second rung leaders of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) about the possible reunion between their party and Shiv Sena (UBT), the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Sena on Monday urged them to let bygones be bygones and make a fresh start, in the interest of future generations. Raj Thackeray, MNS chief, who is on vacation to London, on the other hand, told his partymen not to speak on the issue till his return on April 30. Taking the idea of the reunion a step further, through its editorial of the party mouthpiece 'Saamana' titled, 'Maharashtrala Aankhi Kay Have' the Thackeray faction of Sena expressed the need for the estranged cousins to come together and lauded Raj for continuously speaking in the interest of Marathi language. The editorial also underlined how Raj had in the past raised his voice against anti-Maharashtra politics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah but 'later he got trapped in the fake Hindutva politics of BJP'. ALSO READ | 'Modern Duryodhan': Shiv Sena claims Uddhav Thackeray opposed Raj Thackeray's rise in party 'BJP's politics is that of use and throw. Modi-Shah and Fadnavis never thought of national interest; so how is it possible that they will care about Maharashtra? BJP wants to divide Marathi unity so that they can give control of Mumbai to non-Marathi people – the Dharavi Redevelopment Project illustrates this. Maharashtra wants the union of the brothers; but if the dispute continues, future generations will not forgive us,' said the editorial. Earlier, soon after news of the patch-up started doing the rounds on Saturday, Sandeep Deshpande, Mumbai president of MNS and a close Raj aide, harked back to the 2014 assembly elections when both cousins were poised to enter into an alliance but 'Uddhav Thackeray let the party down and fought the election solo'. This was repeated during the 2017 civic elections, leading Deshpande to 'question the credibility Uddhav Thackeray'. On other hand, Ameya Khopkar, president of MNS cinema wing, put out a social media post that stated: 'I pray to the god against such an indecent alliance.' On Monday afternoon, the MNS chief spoke to his leaders on the phone and asked them to recede. 'Don't speak any more on the issue. I will look into it after I return,' Raj reportedly told is party colleagues. ALSO READ | Raj Thackeray asks MNS leaders not to speak about reconciliation with Uddhav Reacting to the negative sentiments among MNS leaders, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said: 'When top leaders from both parties make a statement, we should take them seriously. It is always good to forget the past and start on a fresh note.' 'Chiefs of both the parties have spoken on this issue so workers like me won't comment on it,' Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray told mediapersons on Monday. In his podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, which was aired on Saturday, Raj had said uniting in the interest of Marathis was not difficult, and that he had no qualms about working with Uddhav. The same day, at a separate event, Uddhav had said he was ready to put aside trivial disputes provided that those working against Maharashtra's interests were not entertained.
Hindustan Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Raj Thackeray asks MNS leaders not to speak about reconciliation with Uddhav
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Monday directed his party leaders not to speak on the issue of reconciliation with his estranged cousin, Uddhav Thackeray, until the former returns from abroad on April 30, people aware of the matter said. The direction came as MNS's second-rung leaders responded negatively after Raj and Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday indicated their readiness to reconcile in the interest of Maharashtra and native Marathi speakers. MNS Mumbai chief Sandeep Deshpande, who was among those who accused Uddhav Thackeray of betrayal , said Raj Thackeray will speak on the issue after returning. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) lawmaker Sanjay Raut said that no one from their party opposed the reconciliation. Raut urged MNS leaders to forget the past for a new start. An editorial in Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) mouthpiece Saamana on Monday called for the need for the reconciliation of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray for Marathis and Maharashtra. The editorial lauded Raj Thackeray for consistently following the Marathi agenda. It accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to hand over control of Mumbai to non-Marathi people. 'If we fail to reunite, future generations will not forgive us.' On Saturday, Raj Thackeray said uniting in the interest of Marathis was not difficult. In a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, he added that he had no issues working with Uddhav Thackeray in the undivided Shiv Sena. He said that for a bigger cause, their fights and issues are trivial. At a separate event, Uddhav Thackeray said he was ready to put aside 'trivial' fights provided that those working against Maharashtra's interests were not entertained. He appealed to everyone to come together for the sake of the Marathi people. Uddhav Thackeray said his cousin should not host anti-Maharashtra people and parties anymore. The comment came after deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, who engineered the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena to join the BJP-led alliance, visited Raj Thackeray's residence. Uddhav Thackeray said Raj Thackeray cannot support the BJP during the Lok Sabha polls and oppose it during the assembly elections, and compromise. The MNS has switched sides multiple times. Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena in January 2006, blaming Uddhav Thackeray for promoting him to do that. He formed the MNS, which won 13 seats in the 2009 assembly elections. The MNS's performance has since been dismal. It failed to win any seats in the 2024 assembly polls. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena is a key partner of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. MNS has backed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The estranged cousins indicated reconciliation amid opposition to the 'imposition' of Hindi in Maharashtra after the BJP-led state government approved a three-language formula under the National Education Policy, including teaching Hindi from Class 1.
