Justice Varale Questions Closure Of Marathi Schools Amid Kumbh Spending

Supreme Court Justice Prasanna B. Varale has expressed concerns over the closure of Marathi-medium schools in Maharashtra, particularly when thousands of crores of rupees are being allocated for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela and other major projects.

Justice Varale was speaking at an event connected with his former school in Shirpur, Dhule district, on Saturday. He stated that he had no objection to government spending on development projects but questioned whether adequate attention was being given to education.

Referring to the proposed Kumbh expenditure, he mentioned figures of around ₹32,000 crore and ₹34,000 crore mentioned by the Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister for the Kumbh preparations, as well as about ₹11,000 crore allocated for a corridor project. Justice Varale stressed that even a small portion of this amount could have helped prevent the closure of around 100 to 125 Marathi-medium schools in the state.

Justice Varale emphasized that his remarks were not against the Kumbh Mela or development projects, but rather a call for the government to give greater priority to education and basic facilities in schools. He recalled his own educational journey, studying up to Class 10 in municipal council and Zilla Parishad Marathi-medium schools, and noted that studying in Marathi had helped him develop a broad outlook and a sense of brotherhood.

Justice Varale expressed concern over the education budget, saying that spending on education had not reached even 13% despite an increase in the number of students. He also highlighted the poor conditions in some government-run ashram schools, citing instances where girl students had to sleep on floors and mentioning the deaths of three students due to snakebites.

He called for better basic infrastructure, including digital screens, computers, and modern laboratories, and advised students to go beyond their textbooks and develop a habit of reading widely. Teachers, he said, should encourage students to explore new subjects and develop a broader understanding of the world.

The closure of Marathi-medium schools is a significant issue in Maharashtra, with many schools facing financial constraints and lack of resources. The state government's allocation of thousands of crores of rupees for the Kumbh Mela and other projects has raised questions about priorities and the importance of education in the state's development.

Justice Varale's comments highlight the need for a balanced approach to development, where education and basic facilities are given equal importance as major projects and events. The issue of Marathi-medium school closures is a complex one, with many factors at play, including funding, resources, and infrastructure.

In conclusion, Justice Varale's remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of education and the need for the government to prioritize it in its development plans. The allocation of resources and funding for education is crucial, and the state government must ensure that it is providing adequate support to schools and students.

The issue of Marathi-medium school closures is not just a matter of education, but also of cultural and linguistic heritage. The preservation of the Marathi language and culture is essential, and the closure of schools that teach in Marathi is a significant loss for the state.

Overall, Justice Varale's comments highlight the need for a more balanced approach to development, where education and basic facilities are given equal importance as major projects and events. The state government must prioritize education and ensure that it is providing adequate support to schools and students.