Maharashtra Government Enforces Marathi in Schools: Non-Compliance Could Lead to Heavy Fines
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Maharashtra government mandates that all schools teach Marathi from Classes 1 to 10. Non-compliant schools could face fines of up to Rs 1 lakh, ensuring that the language's instruction is prioritized across the state.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra government mandates Marathi in schools.
Fines up to Rs 1 lakh for non-compliance.
Schools must comply starting next academic year.
Deepak Pawar advocates for clarity in language grading.
Marathi was previously compulsory up to class 8 in certain boards.
Mumbai, April 18 (NationPress) The government of Maharashtra has announced stringent measures against educational institutions that do not adhere to the directive requiring the teaching of Marathi as a mandatory subject from Classes 1 to 10. To implement this, the School Education Department has established a comprehensive procedure and released a Government Resolution (GR).
This GR emphasizes that Marathi has been a required subject in all educational establishments throughout the state since the 2020–21 academic year. This regulation was introduced following the passage of the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language Act, 2020.
Schools that do not comply with the guidelines will initially receive a notice, and they must provide an explanation within 15 days. If a satisfactory response is not forthcoming, a penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh will be levied against the school management. Furthermore, the school will be instructed to implement Marathi as a compulsory subject starting from the next academic year.
Additionally, the affected school will have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days. Should they fail to comply even after the appeal, steps will be initiated to revoke the school’s recognition. The conclusive decision in such instances will be made within three months following a hearing conducted by the School Education Commissioner. The department has asserted that this initiative will facilitate effective instruction of the Marathi language in all schools statewide.
Deepak Pawar, the founder of the Marathi Abhyas Kendra and a prominent advocate for Marathi-medium education, has urged the government to clarify the language's designation as a first, second, or third language. Pawar contends that the existing grading system, where many schools assign only 50 marks for Marathi, diminishes its significance. He suggested that Marathi should be established as a mandatory 100-mark subject in Board examinations to ensure that schools prioritize it, cautioning that a lack of clear guidelines could result in considerable curricular confusion.
Previously, Marathi was a compulsory subject up to class 8 in schools governed by the Central Board of Secondary Education and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, a private board that administers the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education examination.
Point of View
The decision by the Maharashtra government to enforce mandatory Marathi language education in schools reflects a commitment to preserving and promoting regional languages. While the move aims to support linguistic diversity, it raises questions about the balance between curriculum requirements and educational flexibility for schools.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new rule regarding Marathi language education?
The Maharashtra government has mandated that all schools teach Marathi as a compulsory subject from Classes 1 to 10.
What are the consequences for non-compliance?
Schools that fail to comply will first receive a notice and must provide an explanation within 15 days. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to Rs 1 lakh.
When was Marathi made a mandatory subject?
Marathi has been a required subject in Maharashtra schools since the 2020–21 academic year, following the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language Act, 2020.
Is there an appeal process for schools?
Yes, schools can appeal the decision within 30 days if they are penalized for non-compliance.
What is the proposed grading system for Marathi?
Advocates suggest that Marathi should be a 100-mark subject in Board exams to emphasize its importance in the curriculum.
