Hindi as the 3rd language made mandatory in Maharashtra schools

Marathi outfits criticise the ‘backdoor’ move of the Maharashtra government.

Recently, the Maharashtra government issued an order making Hindi a compulsory 3rd language for students in Marathi and English medium schools from standards 1 to 5. However, Marathi language advocates have criticised the government for reintroducing the policy, accusing it of adopting a backdoor move after initially backing down.

Marathi outfits slam the government for its ‘backdoor’ move.

The Maharashtra School Education Department recently issued an order as part of the implementation of the ‘State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024,’ aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. The order states that all students from classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools will now have to mandatorily study Hindi as the 3rd language “generally.” The order stated, “Those who wish to learn any other language as an option to Hindi should meet the expectation of 20 students from each standard in a school. In such a situation, a teacher for that particular language will be made available, or the language will be taught online.”

Critics claim the latest government move contradicts.

Critics claim that the government’s latest move contradicts earlier statements by School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, who had stated that Hindi would not be mandatory for primary classes. The government order, however, provides a conditional option for students to opt for an alternative Indian language instead of Hindi; it stipulates that a minimum of 20 students per school must choose the alternative. The order added that if such a demand arises, either a teacher will be appointed or the language will be taught online. The directive mandates that in schools following other mediums of instruction, the 3-language formula must include the medium language, Marathi, and English.

Earlier this year, the state government faced massive criticism for proposing to introduce Hindi from class 1. Bhuse last month said, “The decision to introduce Hindi from class 1 as a third language was taken earlier. However, many parents have suggested it be introduced from class 3 instead. We will consider these suggestions before taking any further decision. He even said that the 3-language formula was “on hold” and schools would continue with the existing two-language system for now. But the latest order appears to contradict that assurance, prompting more opposition. Deepak Pawar of the Mumbai-based Marathi Bhasha Abhyas Kendra claimed, “This is nothing but the backdoor imposition of Hindi.”