Is Hindi Compulsory for Students in Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse has announced that Hindi will not be mandatory as a third language in schools for Classes 1 to 5. Students may opt for other Indian languages if at least 20 students choose them. The policy aims to preserve Maharashtra's linguistic identity amidst political controversy.
Key Takeaways
- Hindi is not mandatory as a third language in Maharashtra schools.
- Students can opt for other Indian languages if 20 or more choose them.
- The policy is effective from the academic year 2025-26.
- Marathi remains a mandatory subject.
- Political tensions surround the implementation of this policy.
Mumbai, June 18 (NationPress) Maharashtra's School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse clarified on Wednesday that Hindi is not a mandatory third language in Marathi and English medium schools for Classes 1 to 5 across the state.
Referring to a government resolution (GR) released by the School Education Department on Tuesday, Bhuse stated that the circular does not enforce Hindi as a compulsory third language.
This new policy is set to take effect from the academic year 2025-26.
“The same GR clearly indicates that students wishing to study any other Indian language instead of Hindi as their third language will be allowed to do so. However, this option will only be available if at least 20 students from a class select the alternate language,” Bhuse explained.
He further mentioned that in schools where 20 or more students choose another Indian language, teachers will be appointed accordingly. If teachers are not available, students will receive instruction in that language through an online platform.
This clarification follows political backlash and protests from various organizations after an earlier notification in April stated that Hindi would be compulsory in Marathi and English medium schools for Classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra.
In response to the uproar, Bhuse assured that Hindi would be an option and a revised GR would be issued.
The Minister reiterated that Marathi remains a mandatory subject across all schools, irrespective of the medium of instruction. He cautioned that schools failing to comply with this directive could face stringent actions, including potential loss of recognition.
However, education experts have noted that even if the revised GR does not explicitly mandate Hindi, it may still become a requirement in practice.
“If fewer than 20 students opt for another Indian language, the school will have no choice but to teach Hindi as the third language,” a representative from a teachers’ organization remarked.
The opposition Congress party criticized the BJP-led government, claiming that Hindi is being imposed under the pretense of providing choice.
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshwardhan Sapkal stated, “Fadnavis has once again stabbed a dagger into the heart of Maharashtra! The assertion that 'the imposition of Hindi as the third language has been cancelled' is misleading. The GR effectively ensures that Hindi will be the default third language unless 20 students select another—rendering the choice superficial. This is a calculated attempt to impose Hindi.”
He further accused the move of reflecting the BJP’s anti-Maharashtra agenda, aimed at undermining the Marathi language, culture, and identity.
“It’s evident that Fadnavis, Shinde, and Ajit Pawar are loyal not to Maharashtra but to their Delhi superiors,” he added.
Targeting the Shinde faction, which oversees the school education portfolio, Sapkal accused them of betraying Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy.
“They chant Balasaheb’s name, yet have betrayed Shiv Sena. It’s as if they’ve taken a contract to destroy Marathi,” he commented.
He also criticized Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, saying: “He is so power-hungry that he disregards the survival of Maharashtra, the Marathi language, or Marathi people. His sole focus is securing the finance department. The Sangh-BJP’s ‘one nation, one language, one culture’ agenda is a direct assault on Maharashtra— and we won’t rest until it is fully rejected.”
Point of View
This situation highlights the ongoing tension between language policy and cultural identity in Maharashtra. While the government's move appears to offer flexibility, it raises questions about the practical realities of language choices in schools. The debate reflects deeper issues of regional identity and educational equity, necessitating careful consideration from all stakeholders.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Hindi be compulsory in Maharashtra schools?
No, Hindi has not been made a compulsory third language in Maharashtra schools for Classes 1 to 5. Students may choose other Indian languages if at least 20 students opt for them.
What happens if fewer than 20 students choose an alternative language?
If fewer than 20 students opt for another Indian language, the school will likely have to teach Hindi as the third language.
When will the new policy regarding language choices take effect?
The new policy will be implemented starting from the academic year 2025-26.
What is the stance of the Maharashtra government on Marathi?
Marathi remains a mandatory subject across all schools in Maharashtra, regardless of the medium of instruction.
How have political parties reacted to this policy?
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have criticized the government, claiming that the policy is a disguise for imposing Hindi.
