India, July 31 -- The Maharashtra government has earmarked Rs.18 crore for activities leading up to and including the 100th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, scheduled to be held at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in January next year, Marathi language minister Uday Samant announced on Thursday.

He said the government is committed to promoting, preserving and strengthening the Marathi language globally and urged organisers to ensure the landmark literary event reaches Marathi-speaking communities across the world.

Addressing a press conference after meeting office-bearers of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad (MaSaP), Samant said the government has sanctioned Rs.5 crore for organising the centenary literary convention in P...