Will disrupt UPSC exams if Marathi is not included: Shiv Sena

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena workers today staged a protest against the new exam pattern introduced by the Union Public Service Commission and warned, it would disrupt the Commission's exams in the state if its demand to include Marathi in the syllabus was not met.

"Our demand is that students should have the option of Marathi in the exam. If our demand is not met, we will disrupt UPSC exams in the state," Sena leader Gajanan Kirtikar said.

Sena workers carried placards, decrying the UPSC for its "anti-Marathi" stance, while formulating the new pattern.

"We will soon meet UPSC officials in Delhi to put forth our demand," Kirtikar said, while speaking at the protest, held at Hutatma Chowk here.

The UPSC has notified the new pattern, which will spare candidates from compulsorily qualifying other language papers like Hindi or any of the VIII Schedule languages, which includes Marathi.

Earlier, candidates had to qualify in English and another language paper whose marks were, however, not counted for shortlisting aspirants.

The new pattern gives more weight to general studies and aptitude skills. The UPSC has also introduced an English language paper, whose marks will count in final selection of aspirants for services like IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS and other sought after Central jobs.