New state cultural policy to give Marathi a digital boost, prioritise literature & reading

Nagpur: Ever struggled to decipher govt documents written in Marathi? You are not alone. Maharashtra govt has taken a note of the issue. Doing away with those overly formal, hard-to-understand communiques, the govt is on a mission to simplify the Marathi language in official documents as part of its cultural policy.
Imagine having a spell check tool for Marathi, just like you do for English.No more worrying about typos or grammatical errors in your Marathi writing. The state govt will make this a reality by encouraging the development of spell check software for Marathi.
These are some points in the broader cultural policy aimed at revitalising the Marathi language and culture. The policy places a strong emphasis on promoting the use of Marathi in govt communication, education, and technology.
Govt's cultural policy is a comprehensive plan that covers a wide range of cultural aspects. By focusing on ten key areas, including craftsmanship, language, literature, library and reading culture, visual arts, forts-archaeology, folk arts, music, theatre, dance, cinema, and devotion (Bhakti) culture, govt hopes to create a more vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape for all citizens.
The Bhakti tradition, a deeply ingrained part of Maharashtra's culture, will be honoured with a 21-point policy. This includes initiatives such as publishing Sant Sahitya (literature of Marathi Saints) and providing permanent facilities for the Payi Wari (Pandharpur pilgrimage). Kirtankars, storytellers, and Varkari singers will also be eligible for an honorarium scheme.
State culture minister Sudhir Mungantiwar expressed enthusiasm for the new cultural policy. "A committee was appointed under my chairmanship in 2022 to review the cultural policy. This happened 12 years after the implementation of the previous policy. The new cultural policy has been implemented immediately. We will form an expert panel to look after the implementation of this policy."
He further emphasised the policy's objectives: "This cultural policy has been prepared with the aim of conserving the rich cultural traditions and heritage of Maharashtra, making the new generation aware of this heritage, bringing recognition to the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra at the global level, and making Maharashtra known as a strong culturally rich state."
Policy highlights
Skill census of artisans, special artisan cards for them
Courses to be developed to teach traditional arts to future generations
Forts and archaeology get special attention
Charting of conservation manual for Maharashtra's forts
Establishing an academy to support folk arts
Promotion of cultural tourism to showcase rich heritage
Separate funds for natya sangeet, a traditional Marathi musical theatre form
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