Hindi row: Efforts on to ensure need for morcha doesn't arise, says Ajit Pawar

Efforts on to ensure need for morcha doesn't arise, says Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said efforts are being made to ensure the need for organising a morcha on July 5 against the three-language formula doesn't arise.

Pawar's assurance comes amid protests by the Opposition against the "imposition" of the Hindi language in schools from class 1 on the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature.

The joint march would be organised in Mumbai by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, respectively.

"Efforts are on to ensure the need for taking out the morcha doesn't arise," Pawar told reporters without elaborating.

The NCP chief reiterated teaching of the Hindi language from Class 5, instead of Class 1- a view apparently at variance with the state government's three-language formula.

"(Learning) Marathi and English languages should be made mandatory for primary students. Hindi can be introduced from class 1. Those who know how to read and write Marathi can swiftly learn Hindi language," he said.

Opposition parties have criticised the order issued by the BJP-led government that Hindi will be "in general" a third language for classes 1-5 in Marathi and English-medium schools unless at least 20 students in a class opt for an alternative language.

The state government has clarified that the Hindi language is not mandatory for students and dismissed the Opposition's allegation of the "imposition" of the language.