Jammu: Welcoming the inclusion of Dogri as official languages in Jammu and Kashmir, Shiv Sena Jammu and Kashmir unit appealed to the government to take further measures to promote and propagate Dogri language. Party UT President Manish Sahni, while addressing media persons at the party office, Jammu, today said that mere inclusion of Dogri in official languages does not solve the purpose.
Sahni appealed to the Honorable Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha to make Dogri a compulsory subject in schools, colleges and universities and also to ensure employment opportunities. Sahni said, “Dogri language needs to be given due recognition on the ground. Dogri should be taught as a compulsory subject in all educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from this, cultural and literary programs should be organized on monthly basis in every educational institution to promote this language, he demanded.
Sahni said that the future of students studying Dogri as higher education will have to be secured. Sahni said that Dogri language has been continuously neglected in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state.
“Dogri is one of the 22 official languages of India. Despite adding it to the 8th schedule of the constitution in 2001, the language has been disrespectful to government offices, schools and higher education. Sahni said that the students studying Dogri are forced to change their stream after post-graduation,” he added.
As there is very limited employment opportunities in this subject, Sahni said it is the result of the official apathy of all the previous governments towards Dogri language that after 73 years of Independence, it got official language status.
Sahni said that the administration and education department needs to issue appropriate and strict instructions to promote Dogri language. He hoped that with an adequate efforts of govt, the Dogri language will reach its destination at the earliest.
On this occasion, President Women Wing Meenakshi Chibber, working President Ashwani Gupta General Secretary Vikas Bakshi, Secretary Raj Singh were present.