153 English Medium Schools in Thane Defy Marathi Signboard Mandate

Thane: The state government has implemented several measures to secure classical language status for Marathi. Following the requirement for shop and business signboards to display Marathi, educational institutions must now also feature Marathi nameplates. However, a concerning revelation shows that 60 percent of Thane’s schools continue to disregard this directive.

An audit discovered that among 401 English medium schools operating within Thane Municipal Corporation limits, only 248 have installed Marathi signboards. The remaining 153 institutions have failed to comply with the mandate.

Education Department’s Directives

Youth Sena’s Senate members previously petitioned Mumbai University to mandate Marathi nameplates for all affiliated colleges. The university administration agreed to implement Marathi signboards across all colleges.

A similar demand emerged for schools and junior colleges to adopt Marathi nameplates. Following government guidelines, the education department directed all English medium schools in the Thane Municipal Corporation area to install Marathi signboards.

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Despite these orders, 153 out of 401 English medium schools within the corporation’s jurisdiction have yet to comply.

No Action Taken

The Thane Municipal Corporation area contains 401 English medium schools. Of these, only 248 institutions have erected Marathi signboards and submitted compliance reports to the Municipal Corporation’s Education Department. The remaining 153 schools have taken no steps toward installing Marathi nameplates.

Proposal to be Submitted

The Thane Municipal Corporation’s Education Department has initiated action against the 153 non-compliant English medium schools. Notices will be dispatched to the concerned institutions. The Education Department has issued a stern warning that failure to install Marathi signboards within eight days will result in cancellation of school recognition. A formal proposal to this effect will be submitted.

“Despite the mandatory requirement for Marathi nameplates, numerous schools failed to follow regulations. The government has instructed concerned authorities to initiate administrative action against institutions that did not comply with the rules,” stated Kamalakant Mhetre, Education Officer, Thane Municipal Corporation.