Maharashtra Eases Language Policy After Backlash, Hindi No Longer Mandatory In Primary Schools

Amid mounting criticism over its decision to make Hindi a compulsory subject in schools, the Maharashtra government has amended its language policy, now allowing students to choose an alternative Indian language as their third language.

The School Education Department has issued a revised government resolution concerning the third language for pupils in Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools.

Photo Credit: PTI

The updated directive states: "As per the State Curriculum Framework - School Education 2024, Hindi will generally serve as the third language from Class 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. However, if students wish to study another Indian language in place of Hindi, they will be allowed to do so."

The resolution adds: "If at least 20 students in a particular class at a school opt for a language other than Hindi, a teacher will be appointed for that language. If the number is less than 20, the language will be taught through online mode."

This directive, issued by the state's School Education and Sports Department, is in line with the newly adopted State Curriculum Framework (SCF) 2023, which seeks to implement a standardised multilingual education model across Maharashtra.

Under the revised policy, Marathi will remain a compulsory subject in all schools, regardless of the medium of instruction.

In non-Marathi and non-English medium schools, the three languages to be taught from Classes 1 to 5 will include the school's medium of instruction, Marathi, and English.

The language structure for Classes 6 to 10 will continue as outlined in the State Curriculum Framework.

Back in April this year, the state government had put on hold its initial plan to make Hindi mandatory as a third language for Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools.

School Education Minister Dada Bhuse had announced that an amended government resolution (GR) would be issued on the subject.

The original decision to impose Hindi as a third language had drawn sharp criticism, including political opposition from parties such as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Resistance to the move also followed shortly after the state's language consultation committee urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reconsider and rescind the directive.