On May 7, the Maharashtra government issued a circular making the use of Marathi language mandatory in all official communication and correspondence henceforth. Though Marathi is the official language of the state under the Maharashtra Official Languages Act, 1964 and Amendment Act, 2015, its use is not rampant.

"It was observed that use of English and Hindi along with Marathi was rampant. IAS and IPS officers continued to use English as the language for communication and correspondence. That created a barrier between the common man and the bureaucracy. Therefore, government has decided to make the use of Marathi language compulsory for government at all levels," said senior government official on requested anonymity.

As per the circular, all departments of the state government has to set up a Marathi language vigilant officer to keep a vigil over the use of Marathi language in the department. "If there is a lapse in implementation, he will recommend the suggestions and ensure effective enforcement of the circular.

Besides, all government schemes and its details should be written and given in Marathi only. Marathi should also be the language for verbal communication by the government officers. All meetings including cabinet meetings should be presided in the state official language," stated in the circular.

It further reads government advertisements, government appointed committee reports and other research reports, name plates of the ministers and officers should also be written in Marathi.

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