Thu Mar 27 09:25:52 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Meteorological Centre Faces Backlash for Hindi Weather Bulletins
**Chennai, March 27, 2025** – The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai is facing criticism for including Hindi in its daily weather bulletins, a practice initiated six months ago. The RMC, which serves southern India and two Union Territories, now provides 24-hour rainfall forecasts in English, Tamil, and Hindi.
This move has sparked controversy among Tamil Nadu leaders, who view it as an attempt to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states. Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan criticized the Union government on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the lack of disaster relief funds for the state while simultaneously promoting Hindi in weather forecasts. He argued this demonstrates the BJP’s disregard for the welfare of Tamil Nadu’s people.
The RMC, however, defends its actions, stating the inclusion of Hindi is in line with instructions from the Parliamentary Committee on Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs, aiming to promote Hindi alongside English and Tamil. A Hindi translator was appointed in July 2023 for this purpose. The Hindi additions to the website began in October 2024, according to Head (additional charge) B. Amudha.
This incident underscores Tamil Nadu’s ongoing opposition to Hindi imposition and its commitment to its two-language policy.
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