The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for all officials in government and semi-government offices to speak only in Marathi, as per a recent notification issued by the state planning department.
The planning department issued the notification, warning that employees who do not follow the directive will face disciplinary action. The decision applies to all communication, official signage, and documentation across the state.
“All officials must use Marathi language while interacting with visitors, except for visitors from outside India and non-Marathi speaking states,” the notification said.
Visitors to government offices are also required to communicate in Marathi, except for those who do not speak the language.
Officials must also ensure that text is displayed in the Marathi Devanagari script alongside Roman lettering on computer keypads and printers.
The rule applies to all government offices, semi-government offices, local self-government bodies, government corporations, and government-aided establishments.
According to the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government, the policy aims to promote Marathi in all public affairs, preserve and develop the language, and is part of the government’s efforts to promote Marathi culture in the state.