Will the Final Decision on the Three Language Formula Follow Consultations?

Mumbai, June 23 (NationPress) In light of significant opposition and protests from various NGOs regarding the proposal to introduce Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English schools for grades 1 to 5 starting in the academic year 2025-26, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Monday that a conclusive decision on the Three Language Formula will be made following discussions with literary figures, language experts, political leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.

This decision was reached during a meeting chaired by CM Fadnavis, which included the participation of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, and officials from the School Education Department.

“After an extensive discussion on this matter, the meeting agreed to present the positions of all states and to ensure that Marathi children do not face disadvantages due to the new education policy in line with the Academic Bank of Credit. A thorough presentation on alternative options will also be prepared for all parties involved,” said the government release.

A consultation process will be initiated involving all stakeholders, including scholars of the Marathi language and literary figures. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that a final decision will only be made after this consultation process is completed. Consequently, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse is set to commence the next stage of consultations,” the government release noted.

CM Fadnavis’ announcement comes amidst threats from Shiv Sena UBT and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to obstruct the state government’s plan to implement Hindi as a third language, warning that its imposition will not be accepted. The MNS has already initiated statewide protests against the government’s decision.

CM Fadnavis opted for a cautious approach, recognizing that both estranged leaders Uddhav and Raj Thackeray might leverage the Marathi issue in the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections to attract Marathi voters. This scenario could pose a challenge for the BJP-led MahaYuti, which aims to secure victory in the BMC elections following its impressive performance in the state assembly elections.

On the other hand, education experts and various organizations representing teachers, along with Marathi film and theatre personalities, have vocally opposed the introduction of Hindi as a third language, arguing that it would diminish the significance of the Marathi language, recently recognized as a Classical Language.

Last week, the government issued a revised government resolution (GR) that omitted the term “mandatory” regarding Hindi as a third language, indicating that Hindi will be taught as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools for grades 1 to 5. The GR also stated that students would have the option to select other Indian languages if a minimum of 20 students per grade express a desire to learn a language other than Hindi.

The GR clarified that Marathi remains compulsory in all schools. For institutions that are not Marathi or English medium, the curriculum for grades 1 to 5 will now incorporate Marathi and English as the medium of instruction. From grades 6 to 10, the policy will align with the existing State Curriculum Framework.

CM Fadnavis staunchly defended the government’s decision, asserting that the three-language formula is mandated by the Central government’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is obligatory for all states.

School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse contended that Hindi is not obligatory and that Marathi will continue to be compulsory in all schools, stating that action will be taken against institutions that fail to comply.

Nonetheless, opposition parties have accused the BJP-led MahaYuti government of betrayal while opposing the introduction of Hindi as a third language.

Former union minister and NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar emphasized that while no one should harbor animosity towards Hindi as a language, it should not be imposed.

Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena-UBT, expressed that his party is not against Hindi but questioned why it is being forced upon students, asserting that his party will not permit the state government’s initiative to make Hindi compulsory.

Raj Thackeray, founder of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, raised concerns about the necessity of introducing Hindi as a third language, noting that even Gujarat has not imposed Hindi in schools.

Harshvardhan Sapkal, president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, accused CM Fadnavis of once again delivering a blow to Maharashtra and the Marathi language, alleging that this is nothing but the BJP's anti-Maharashtra agenda, aiming to undermine the Marathi language, identity, and people.