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Marathi vs Hindi: Stakes are higher than politics

Marathi vs Hindi: Stakes are higher than politics

Time of India17 hours ago
In recent weeks, it's been Maharashtra that's been the battleground of the three-language formula prescribed by National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy requires schools to teach three languages, with at least two of them being Indian languages. Non-Hindi-speaking states have feared that the third language would effectively become Hindi.
In April, it was Tamil Nadu govt that vehemently opposed this Union govt move. In Maharashtra, too, opposition to this policy has been simmering for some time, mirroring the response in Tamil Nadu. But in June, protests escalated here. They gained momentum when schools reopened and the state govt issued a resolution making Hindi a compulsory third language for all Marathi- and English-medium schools, from grades 1 to 5.
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