Speak in Marathi: Maharashtra Makes Marathi Mandatory in Government Offices

Mumbai, 4th February 2025: The Maharashtra government has enforced strict implementation of its Marathi language policy, making it compulsory for employees in government, semi-government, and local self-government bodies to communicate in Marathi. Offices receiving government grants must also adhere to this directive, ensuring that both employees and visitors (except foreigners and those from other states) use Marathi for all official interactions.

To reinforce this mandate, all offices are now required to display plaques with the message “Speak in Marathi.” Any failure to comply may result in disciplinary action against the concerned officials and employees.

The Planning Department issued this government resolution on Monday, outlining measures to ensure the mandatory use of Marathi. Citizens can lodge complaints against officials who fail to communicate in Marathi with the respective department or office head. If the allegations are verified, disciplinary action will be taken. Additionally, if complainants are unsatisfied with the response, they can escalate the matter to the Marathi Language Committee.

As per the directive, all original proposals, correspondence, comments, orders, and messages within government offices must be in Marathi. Furthermore, all presentations and office websites must prioritize Marathi as the primary language. The government has also made it mandatory for nameplates, notice boards, and application forms in Central Government offices and banks across the state to include Marathi, in line with the central government’s three-language formula.

The policy extends to state-affiliated corporations, boards, enterprises, and companies, requiring them to use only Marathi names in official operations. Additionally, all advertisements, tenders, and public notices must be issued exclusively in Marathi.

The directive also emphasizes the integration of Marathi in digital infrastructure. Government offices are required to use Marathi on computers, and keyboards must feature Marathi characters to ensure seamless implementation of the language policy.

This move aims to strengthen the use of Marathi in administrative and public communication, reinforcing the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting its linguistic heritage.