Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse on Monday, 29 June told the state Assembly that schools failing to teach Marathi would face fines of up to ₹1,00,000 and risk losing their official recognition, as the state moves to enforce a long-standing but unevenly implemented mandate. The announcement underscores the Maharashtra government's push to make Marathi instruction non-negotiable across all Boards and mediums of instruction from Class 1 to Class 10.

Key Penalties and Compliance Rules

Under the framework outlined by Minister Bhuse, schools that fail to comply with the Marathi teaching mandate will be fined up to ₹1,00,000 on the first instance of non-compliance. Persistent violations will result in the cancellation of the school's recognition and affiliation — a measure that would effectively shut down operations.

Schools are also required to appoint teachers with the prescribed educational qualifications specifically for Marathi instruction. Government officials will verify teaching standards and inspect Marathi examination records during routine school visits, adding a layer of active oversight rather than relying on self-reporting.

Curriculum Changes and Cultural Additions

Beyond enforcement, Minister Bhuse announced that the state curriculum will be updated to more prominently feature Maharashtra's cultural and historical heritage. Dedicated sections on the educational and social contributions of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, along with other iconic figures of the state, will be incorporated into the syllabus.

The Minister also noted that the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been expanded within national-level textbooks, broadening its reach to students across India. Additionally, all schools in Maharashtra have been directed to ensure that the state song, 'Jai, Jai Maharashtra Maza', is sung respectfully after the National Anthem.

Assembly Discussion and Political Participation

The announcement was made during a discussion initiated by MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, with contributions from MLAs Varun Sardesai, Sunil Prabhu, Dr Nitin Raut, and Ratnakar Gutte. The cross-party participation signals that Marathi language promotion commands broad legislative support, even as implementation has historically been patchy — particularly in English-medium and CBSE-affiliated private schools in urban Maharashtra.

Monsoon Fishing Ban Extended to August 15

In a separate announcement from the same Assembly session, Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane confirmed that the state government has extended the seasonal monsoon fishing ban to 15 August. The previous ban prohibited mechanised and motorised fishing vessels from operating in Maharashtra's coastal waters for 61 days, from 1 June to 31 July.

The extension was approved following formal recommendations from district-level committees and the State Advisory and Monitoring Committee, after several fishermen's cooperative societies petitioned for a longer breeding window to prevent the harvesting of juvenile fish at the start of the season. The government cited both ecological sustainability and fishermen's safety — given the risk of cyclones and heavy rainfall during the early monsoon — as reasons for the extended prohibition.

Minister Rane warned that the Fisheries Department will take strict action against unauthorised fishing vessels from neighbouring states found operating in Maharashtra's coastal waters during the ban period.

What Comes Next

With penalties now formally stated on the Assembly floor, the focus shifts to enforcement — particularly in private and unaided schools that have historically operated with limited state oversight. Whether the government establishes a dedicated inspection mechanism or relies on existing school visit protocols will determine how effectively these directives translate into classroom practice.