Pune Mandates Marathi Building Names in Civic Jurisdiction

The Pune city government now says that all buildings, homes and businesses, must write their names in Marathi, a local language.

This is because the Indian government recognizes Marathi as a classical language.

The city commissioner says the law comes from a state planning act.

Political groups also want more Marathi used.

A political party welcomed the change.

The government previously tried to make Hindi mandatory in schools but withdrew it after protests.