&w=3840&q=100)
Hindi no longer mandatory in Maharashtra schools after public backlash
Under pressure from multiple quarters, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday (April 22) withdrew its directive making Hindi a compulsory third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi- and English-medium schools. State School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse announced the rollback after a Cabinet meeting, stating that the word 'mandatory' would be removed from the order.
Bhuse said the three-language formula would remain in place but added that schools must now accommodate alternative language preferences if a significant number of students request it. The clarification marks a retreat from the April 16 order, which had triggered intense opposition across political, cultural, and social groups in the state.
Backlash over Hindi imposition forces Maharashtra to withdraw language order
Since the original notification was issued on April 16, the government has faced strong criticism from both allies and the Opposition. The timing of the move—coinciding with Tamil Nadu's protest against a similar push for Hindi—added to the political sensitivity. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had previously defended the policy, briefed the Cabinet about the provisions under the National Education Policy (NEP) before the decision was rescinded.
Fadnavis defends National Education Policy amid Hindi language row
The controversy had earlier prompted Fadnavis to publicly respond to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on social media. Fadnavis argued that the NEP did not impose any language but only encouraged students to learn two Indian languages apart from English. He maintained that Maharashtra was open to Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit, or any language of the student's choice.
Attempting to address local concerns, Fadnavis clarified on Sunday that Marathi remained compulsory in the school curriculum and that there was no attempt to replace it with Hindi.
Centre's push for Hindi in schools, embassies draws state resistance
The rollback in Maharashtra comes in the backdrop of a sustained effort by the Centre to promote Hindi across government and educational platforms. In 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking the promotion of Hindi in official work in Indian embassies, public sector units, and banks operating abroad.
The MHA also urged the formation of Official Language Implementation Committees in these institutions. These directives were part of a wider campaign, with the government implementing several recommendations of a 2011 parliamentary standing committee report on Hindi in 2017. These included making Hindi compulsory in signage, railway announcements, exams, and government advertisements—especially in non-Hindi-speaking states.
NEP 2020 and three-language formula: What it says about multilingual education
The National Education Policy 2020 encourages multilingualism and endorses a three-language formula, with at least two Indian languages in the curriculum. The policy recommends the mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction up to at least Grade 5, and ideally until Grade 8 or beyond.
To support this, the Centre has developed bilingual and trilingual textbooks for early education and has made learning materials available in 33 Indian languages through the DIKSHA platform.
Despite the Centre's emphasis on flexibility, several southern and non-Hindi-speaking states have expressed concerns over what they see as an aggressive push for Hindi. These concerns are compounded by developments such as default Hindi settings on websites of key institutions like the CRPF, BSF, and National Crime Records Bureau.
The Maharashtra government's recent reversal suggests that even BJP-led states are now treading carefully on language issues, particularly when public sentiment appears to be against any perception of imposition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
9 minutes ago
- Hans India
If my voice brought India's issues to forefront, that's my service to nation: Priyanka Chaturvedi
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has strongly defended India's recent global anti-terror outreach mission across Europe, calling it both timely and necessary to expose the global threat posed by Pakistan-backed terrorism. Chaturvedi was part of the high-level All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad under 'Operation Sindoor Outreach,' which presented India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism and garnered international support. Reflecting on the trip, Chaturvedi said the delegation had a clear mission: 'That was my responsibility. And if my speeches have influenced people and brought the country's issues to the forefront, I consider it my service to the nation.' She added, 'I hope that in near future, the European nations, because my group toured six countries—will understand that the terrorism we have been enduring for decades is now reaching their homes.' The delegation visited France, Italy, Denmark, the UK, Belgium, and Germany. During the tour, Indian MPs met foreign lawmakers, think tanks, and diaspora groups to raise awareness about radicalization and safe havens for terror groups operating from Pakistan. Chaturvedi highlighted the growing threat of radicalisation abroad, saying: 'The way indoctrination and radicalization are taking place, and everyone's wires are connected to Pakistan, whether it's Al-Qaeda, Jaish-e-Mohammed, or Lashkar-e-Taiba, everyone lives in safe houses there. They are protected.' She emphasised that, 'It was a successful trip where we were able to keep the country's interests safe.' Responding to political criticism that sending delegations abroad was a waste of public money, Chaturvedi hit back: 'Many leaders are saying that sending foreign delegations was a waste of money and time. I hope they will take a debriefing from their own party members who were also part of these delegations, ask them what was discussed, how it was said, and what their role was.' When asked about her passionate speeches and even mimicry of Pakistani political figures like Hina Rabbani Khar or Bilawal Bhutto (referred to as "Minamal Bhutto" in some circles), Chaturvedi firmly rooted her motivation in personal experience. 'After 26/11, the terrorist attack in Mumbai, I was deeply affected and came into politics. I know how many homes are destroyed because of terrorism. How many women struggle to manage households. Terrorism tries to destroy businesses and the country's stability.' The Operation Sindoor Outreach initiative helped India draw sharper international attention to terrorism and its sources like Pakistan, and has provided a unified national narrative on the global stage.
Hans India
9 minutes ago
- Hans India
FairPoint: A walk across the bridge of resolve, PM Modi's strong Chenab message
There are rare moments in a nation's history when a leader's action reverberates far beyond the physical gesture -- it speaks directly to adversaries, uplifts the national spirit, and sets the course for the future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's walk across the Chenab Bridge -- the world's highest railway bridge -- holding the Tricolour high in his right hand, was one such moment. Quiet but commanding, symbolic yet strategic, it was a bold declaration. In that symbolic stride, the Prime Minister wasn't just showcasing a feat of Indian engineering; he was delivering a bold message to those who have long sought to destabilise India through covert aggression and terror. For over three decades, Pakistan and its terror network have engaged in a relentless proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir and also in other parts of India. From cross-border infiltration to radicalisation, they have aimed to keep Jammu and Kashmir and India in turmoil. And when the Pahalgam terror attack happened, India responded with Operation Sindoor -- with military resolve and diplomatic firmness. Amid this operation, India continued with its developmental triumphs. The walk on the Chenab Bridge was a powerful signal to Pakistan, its allies, and the rest of the world. By walking that bridge with the flag aloft, PM Modi asserted territorial sovereignty and also underlined a shift in India's policy from deterrence to direct action. After the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba, India has made it clear -- neither the LoC nor Pakistani territory will remain untouched if terror originates from there. The shift started with the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, the revocation of Article 370, and the May 7 Operation Sindoor. These have all marked a shift in India's strategic doctrine -- no longer defensive and reactive but proactive and assertive. Through Operation Sindoor, New Delhi has set a new strategic red line -- if terror is Pakistan's state policy, it will be met with a visible and forceful response. PM Modi's solitary walk was a signal that India will no longer be held hostage by fear nor dictated to by those who trade in violence and chaos. It was also a message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that New Delhi's commitment to development, stability, and integration is not just a promise -- it is a mission. The walk was also a reminder to every Indian watching that the fight against terror isn't only for the security forces to tackle, but it's also in our commitment to progress. Roads, tunnels, railways, and bridges -- these are India's new weapons of peace, built to empower. The PM's walk on the bridge just reflected this. In that silent, deliberate stride was the assertion that the region will no longer be a theatre for conflict but a beacon of connection and progress. PM Modi's visit to J&K came exactly one month after Operation Sindoor, a meticulously executed mission that neutralised nine high-value terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In retaliation, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling at residential areas in Jammu and Kashmir and also indulged in drone raids across the whole of the western border. India then attacked 11 airbases of Pakistan, following which Pakistan raised the white flag and begged for a ceasefire. Operation Sindoor wasn't just a tactical win. It was a strategic signal: that India's patience with terrorism emanating from Pakistan is not infinite and that every infiltration, every ambush, will be met with proportionate force. By choosing to visit J&K after this operation and walk on the Chenab Bridge, which is just 133 km from PoK, PM Modi linked two critical narratives: the hard power of security and the soft power of development. It reflected the seamless continuation of India's twin-track approach in Jammu and Kashmir -- crush the terror infrastructure while simultaneously empowering the region through unprecedented infrastructure and economic development. This stands in stark contrast to Pakistan's approach to Kashmir: one rooted in radicalisation, violence, and diplomatic falsehoods. It is forcing the youth to die for a false narrative and an insane cause, and has kept the occupied part of Kashmir in poverty and underdevelopment. PM Modi's walk across the Chenab Bridge wasn't just physical; it was psychological. It represented an India that is no longer looking over its shoulder but walking ahead with resolve, dignity, and confidence. Holding the flag was a symbol of ownership of territory, of the future, and of the narrative. Leaders are often remembered not just for what they say but for what they do when it matters. With the Tricolour fluttering against the Himalayan winds, PM Modi's walk on the Chenab Bridge was symbolic and historic. For Pakistan, it was a warning that India will protect its territorial integrity and punish aggression with precision. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it was reassurance that they are seen, heard, and included. And for the rest of the world, it was a signal that India is prepared to lead not just economically but morally and militarily if required.
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Who is Priya Saroj? Cricketer Rinku Singh's fiancée and one of India's youngest MPs; Know about her family, education, and political journey
Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is now officially engaged to Member of Parliament Priya Saroj . The engagement ceremony took place on 8 June at The Centrum, a luxury hotel in Lucknow. It was a grand but private event that brought together people from both the cricket and political worlds. Rinku, famous for his performances with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, arrived at the venue with Priya. The couple wore matching white and pink outfits and looked very happy. The hotel was beautifully decorated with flowers and warm lights. Over 300 guests attended the event, including former cricketers Praveen Kumar and Piyush Chawla, UP Ranji captain Aryan Juyal, and big names in politics like Akhilesh Yadav, Jaya Bachchan, Dimple Yadav, and Iqra Hasan. Congress leader Rajeev Shukla and senior politician Ram Gopal Yadav were also present, showing how important this occasion was. Rinku and Priya exchanged rings on a grand stage. Guests were served a traditional vegetarian feast that mixed Awadhi dishes with international flavours. Security was very tight, with barcoded entry passes and police officers to make sure everything stayed private. Who is Priya Saroj? Priya Saroj is only 25 years old and is already one of the youngest Members of Parliament in India. She represents the Machhlishahr area in Uttar Pradesh. Live Events She is the daughter of experienced politician Tufani Saroj . Priya entered politics in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and won by more than 35,000 votes against BJP's BP Saroj. Before joining politics, she worked as a lawyer. She studied law at Amity University in Noida and later practised in the Supreme Court of India. Even though she comes from a political family, she didn't originally plan to enter public life. Her relationship with Rinku started as a friendship and grew stronger over the past year. 'Rinku and Priya have known each other for over a year. They liked each other but waited for their families' approval. Both families have now agreed,' said Tufani Saroj, according to PTI. Now, with the engagement done, the couple is set to begin a new journey together, one that blends cricket, politics, and shared dreams. Inputs from TOI
