Finally the notification grating ‘Classical Language; to Marathi was handed over by Union Minister for Cultural Affairs Gajendra Sinh Shekhawat to Maharashtra Minister for Industries and Marathi Language Uday Samant, the later informed in a press conference. The President of Marathi Sahitya Sanskruti Mandal Sadanand Morey, the Chairman of the Committee to Follow the issue Dr Dnyaneshwar Muley, senior litterateur Pradeep Dhawal, and State Marathi Vikas Sanstha Dr Shamkant Devre were present.
Samant expressed happiness over realisation of the dream, the proposal for which was submitted 11 years ago, when he (Samant) was Minister of State for the Marathi Language. Coincidentally he is now a Cabinet Minister for the language.
Samant thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the historical decision.
Samant said that he requested Shekhawat to provide more funds for the development of the language. Shekhawat agreed to attend the World Marathi Literary Meet to be held in Pune.. The State Government has been giving Rs 2 crores for Marathi Sahitya Sammelan from the last year, which would continue, he added.
The Maharashtra Government will try to strengthen Marathi schools in Delhi, Samant said.