Maharashtra to Enforce NEP 2020 Mandating Hindi as a Third Language for Classes 1-5 Starting 2025-26
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra government is set to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, making Hindi a compulsory third language for students in classes 1 to 5 starting in the academic year 2025-26. This move aligns with the state's educational reforms aimed at enhancing multilingual proficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra adopts NEP 2020 with Hindi as a mandatory third language.
- Implementation begins with Class 1 in the 2025-26 academic year.
- The curriculum will follow a phased rollout to all grades by 2028-29.
- SCERT will develop localized curricula and a bridge course for transitioning students.
- 80% of teachers to be trained in new pedagogical methods by 2025.
Mumbai, April 17 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has made a significant policy decision to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, mandating Hindi as a compulsory third language from the academic year 2025-26.
According to a comprehensive government notification, Hindi will be a mandatory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 attending both Marathi and English medium schools.
This new curriculum under NEP 2020 is set to roll out in phases, beginning with Class 1 in the 2025-26 academic year and expanding to all grades by 2028-29.
The notification states that other medium schools in Maharashtra have already been following the three-language formula, as English and Marathi are mandatory in the state, alongside the language that serves as their medium of instruction.
However, previously, only two languages were offered in English and Marathi medium schools.
In terms of Curriculum and Structure, the Maharashtra government plans to adopt the 5+3+3+4 model, with localized curriculum development managed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Balbharati, the state textbook bureau.
The SCERT has also designed a bridge course to facilitate the transition for students moving from the old curriculum to the new.
The government aims to ensure that by 2025, 80 percent of teachers are trained in new teaching methodologies and digital tools.
The 5+3+3+4 educational structure, introduced by NEP 2020 under the new curriculum, segments school education into four stages: Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary.
This new policy restructures the former 10+2+3 system into a 5+3+3+4 format, encompassing education from foundational to advanced levels. The initiative is being gradually implemented across the state and is founded on five essential pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, as stated by Deputy Secretary of the state education department, Tushar Mahajan.
The notification indicates that the government will initiate the 5+3+3+4 structure of school education as recommended by NEP 2020, where the first five years (three years of pre-primary and Classes 1 and 2) will constitute the foundational stage, Classes 3 to 5 will be the Preparatory stage, Classes 6 to 8 will fall under Middle school, and the final four years (Classes 9 to 12) will comprise Secondary Education.
The three-language formula will also be implemented in prescribed phases, commencing with Class 1 in the upcoming academic year.
Additionally, textbooks for the Maharashtra State Board will now be based on the curriculum developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), with modifications tailored to Maharashtra’s local context, particularly in subjects like Social Science and language.
As a result, textbooks for Class 1 are being published by Balbharati.
