Hindi Mandatory in Maharashtra Schools: The Maharashtra government has made Hindi a mandatory third language for students in Marathi and English-medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. Marathi language supporters have strongly opposed the move, accusing the government of reintroducing the policy through the “backdoor” after previously withdrawing it.

On Tuesday, the Maharashtra School Education Department issued the directive as part of the implementation of the State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024, which aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The new rule states that schools will now generally teach Hindi as a third language to all students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium institutions. The directive also allows students to opt for a language other than Hindi, provided that at least 20 students in a grade express interest. In such cases, schools will either appoint a teacher for that language or arrange for online instruction.

Hindi Mandatory in Maharashtra:

Critics argue that the government’s latest move contradicts School Education Minister Dada Bhuse’s earlier statement. He said Hindi would not be mandatory for primary school students. Although the government allows students to choose another Indian language instead of Hindi. The order requires at least 20 students per school to opt for the alternative.

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The decree states that if enough students request an alternative language. The school will either appoint a teacher or offer the language through online classes. It also mandates that schools using other mediums of instruction must include English, Marathi, and the medium language as part of the three-language formula.

Deepak Pawar, a member of the Marathi language preservation group Marathi Bhasha Abhyas Kendra in Mumbai, criticized the move, saying, “This is nothing but the backdoor imposition of Hindi.” He accused the administration of deceiving the Marathi community and, in a social media post, called for public protests. “If we don’t speak up now,” he warned, “it will destroy the federal structure and the legacy of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement.”

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