Belgaum:
The Government of India has taken serious note of complaints regarding the alleged denial of educational and linguistic rights of Marathi-speaking minority students in Belgaum district. Following a representation submitted by the Maharashtra Ekikaran Yuva Samiti, the Office of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, has directed the Karnataka Government to take necessary action.
In an official letter dated July 6, 2026, Deputy Secretary and Deputy Commissioner-in-Charge Munna Prasad addressed the Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka’s Department of School Education and Literacy, referring to representations submitted by Maharashtra Ekikaran Yuva Samiti President Ankush Kesarkar on June 9 and June 15, 2026.
The letter states that complaints have been received regarding the denial of educational and linguistic rights of Marathi-speaking linguistic minority students in Belgaum district. It directs the Karnataka Government to examine the matter and take appropriate action in light of the constitutional safeguards provided under Article 350A for linguistic minorities.
The Centre has also instructed the Karnataka Government to inform the petitioner about the action taken and submit a copy of the report to the Office of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities at the earliest.
Marathi Textbooks Yet to Reach KPS Schools
The Maharashtra Ekikaran Yuva Samiti has also highlighted that Marathi textbooks are still unavailable in KPS schools designated as bilingual institutions in Belgaum, Khanapur, and Nipani. Although officials had assured that the books would be supplied promptly after the issue was raised, more than a month and a half into the academic session, students are yet to receive them.
The organisation has demanded immediate distribution of Marathi textbooks or continuation of the earlier curriculum until the books are made available.
The Centre’s intervention has brought renewed attention to the issue, and all eyes are now on the Karnataka Government’s response and the steps it takes to safeguard the educational and linguistic rights of Marathi-speaking minority students in the border region.
