BMC adopts Marathi as official language

Mumbai, June 25 (UNI) The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has adopted Marathi as the official language from today.

A decision in this regard was passed by the BMC yesterday and Mayor Dr Shubha Raul did not allow a debate on the issue. The Standing Committee had approved the use of Marathi as the official language a few months back, and a final approval was awaited.

Reacting to the decision, NCP corporator Niyaz Ahmed said use of Marathi is welcome, but it should not be the only language as it will lead to many complications.

''The BMC is talking of e-governance. But, how can that be implemented if Marathi is accepted the official language?'' he asked.

Standing Committee chairman Ravindra Waikar said, ''The decision has been welcomed by all. It was a long-pending demand.'' Congress corporators Sameer Desai and others opposed the decision on the grounds that there were many non-Marathi corporators who would find it difficult.

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