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New rule makes Hindi a must in primary classes across Maharashtra
The Maharashtra government has issued a formal order making Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Marathi and English medium schools from classes 1 to 5.
The directive was released on Tuesday by the Maharashtra School Education Department as part of the implementation of the State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024, which aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
According to the official order, Hindi will now be taught 'generally' as the third language to all primary students. An opt-out option is available, but only under stringent conditions: at least 20 students from a single class must request an alternative Indian language. Only then will the state arrange for a dedicated teacher or provide online instruction for that language.
Critics cry foul
Meanwhile, language rights groups and education experts have slammed the decision, calling it a 'backdoor imposition' of Hindi-- an allegation rooted in recent flip-flops by the state government on the issue.
Deepak Pawar, of the Mumbai-based Marathi Bhasha Abhyas Kendra, accused the state government of bypassing earlier assurances. 'This is nothing but the backdoor imposition of Hindi,' he said in a social media post.
'The government has betrayed the Marathi people. If we remain silent now, it will pave the way for dismantling the federal structure and the legacy of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement," he added.
The backlash also comes in the wake of prior commitments from School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, who had stated on April 22 that Hindi would not be compulsory for primary classes.
Speaking at an event in Pune last month, Bhuse had acknowledged widespread concern over the plan. '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 was quoted as saying by PTI.
At the time, he had also mentioned that the three-language formula was 'on hold' and schools would continue with the current two-language structure.
Experts question implementation
Former education board chairman Vasant Kalpande questioned the feasibility of the opt-out clause. 'It is unlikely that 20 students in a class will demand a non-Hindi language,' he said. 'The provision to make teachers available online is also an attempt to discourage opting for any other language than Hindi.'
He further warned that while Hindi and Marathi share a similar script, young learners may struggle to grasp the nuances and differences between the two.
Kalpande also pointed out that states like Gujarat and Assam do not mandate Hindi as a third language in primary education—raising further questions about the uniformity of NEP implementation across India.
Three-language formula now enforced
The order also brings schools with other mediums of instruction into the fold, requiring them to follow the three-language formula—consisting of the medium of instruction, Marathi, and English.
Earlier this year, the state's proposal to introduce Hindi from Class 1 had faced strong public opposition, prompting the government to initially roll back the decision.
(With PTI inputs)
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