Hindi language row: Maharashtra govt cancels GRs on three-language policy
Hindi row: The Maharashtra government, on Sunday cancelled GRs on three-language policy, with CM Devendra Fadnavis announcing a panel on language formula implementation.
Uddhav Thackeray had accepted Mashelkar panel's suggestions on implementing three-language policy from class 1: Devendra Fadnavis.
(This is a developing story. Keep checking for more updates)
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Hans India
29 minutes ago
- Hans India
Mandating Hindi and secularism debate may boomerang on BJP
The recent moves by the saffron dispensation, making Hindi mandatory as the third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra and questioning the words 'socialism' and 'secularism' in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, are unfortunate. Driven by ideological zeal, the moves are unlikely to benefit either the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the nation as a whole. Instead, they risk further polarising of an already fractured political landscape and diverting national attention from pressing developmental challenges. The decision to enforce Hindi as a mandatory third language in a state with a rich linguistic heritage and a strong Marathi identity has raised eyebrows. India is a diverse, multilingual country where language has always been a sensitive issue. The attempt to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states has historically been met with fierce resistance, as witnessed during the anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu in the 1960s and also Karnataka. Such moves are often perceived as efforts to impose cultural hegemony rather than promote national unity. Language in India is deeply intertwined with identity, and the compulsion to learn Hindi, especially in regions with their dominant languages, is viewed as an encroachment on local cultures and traditions. While promoting Hindi as a link language is understandable in a country with numerous regional tongues, making it mandatory at the primary education level risks alienating large sections of the population. Simultaneously, the move to question the inclusion of 'socialism' and 'secularism' in the Preamble to the Constitution opens another front of ideological conflict. These words were added to the Preamble during the 42nd Amendment in 1976. While it is valid to debate constitutional provisions in a healthy democracy, the timing and tone of this scrutiny suggest a larger effort to recalibrate the foundational ethos of the Republic in line with a narrow ideological vision. Secularism is ingrained in Indian ethos, serving as a guiding principle for policy-making and governance. Questioning these principles risks unsettling the delicate balance that holds together India's immensely diverse social fabric. The inclusion of socialism in the Preamble is problematic, indeed against the spirit of the Constitution, because technically it prohibits anti-socialist parties. But then, the Preamble has never posed a problem to the formulation and execution of post-liberalisation policies, which were often anti-socialist. So, the Sangh Parivar's aversion to the two words is pointless. Such ideological pursuits risk shifting focus away from the real, tangible issues facing the nation—unemployment, inflation, agrarian distress, public healthcare, education quality, environmental degradation, and growing economic inequalities. Instead of addressing these pressing concerns, the political discourse is increasingly consumed by symbolic and divisive debates that offer little substantive improvement to citizens' everyday lives. Worse, these aggressive ideological moves don't even serve the BJP's political interests. In fact, they can do the opposite; for instance, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have reportedly agreed to join hands to oppose this decision. A doctrinaire approach may please the party's cadre and ideological purists, but it will alienate moderate voters and regional allies, potentially undermining its broader electoral appeal. India's electorate, particularly the youth, is increasingly aspirational and impatient with distractions that do not improve their economic prospects or social mobility. While ideological debates are an intrinsic part of a vibrant democracy, the saffron dispensation's current trajectory risks deepening divisions and sidelining essential developmental issues.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
When different political parties work together, there is bound to be difference of opinion: Dy CM Ajit Pawar on controversy over mandatory Hindi in schools
1 2 3 Pune: Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said that when various political parties come together and work, they are bound to have differences of opinion. He added that there is a need for a detailed discussion between Mahayuti allies on the subject of making Hindi a compulsory subject for school students from Std I, which he has already cited his opinion against. Pawar was referring to the ongoing controversy over the govt resolution in June on the implementation of the three-language policy. Later on Sunday, amid major backlash, state govt withdrew the GR and said a committee will now be constituted to determine the way forward. Speaking to reporters, Pawar had said Mahayuti govt is trying to ensure that the issue is addressed without any need for protest. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "When different political parties come together and work, sometimes there are differences of opinion. But we need to consider what is best for the state, country, and the future of our children. I feel the best decisions are taken only when things are discussed; hence there is a need to discuss this issue," the deputy CM stated. Earlier, Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) had threatened a protest march in Mumbai against govt's decision on July 5. They had stated that the march would be held without party flags and would solely focus on opposing the compulsion of Hindi in schools, without raising any other issues. Asked if he too would join the protest march as he shares the same opinion, Pawar said, "We are trying to ensure there is no need for such protests." Pawar reiterated his stance that Hindi should not be mandatory from Std I. "Students should begin learning Hindi from Std V. Those who can read and write Marathi can easily pick up Hindi because the script for both languages is almost the same. So, there should be no problem even if we start teaching Hindi from Std V," he said. The deputy CM also said govt has made Marathi compulsory from Std I in schools of all mediums in the state to ensure that everyone — including children of those who have migrated from other states to Maharashtra for work — can learn Marathi. Asked about the possibility of Raj and Uddhav forming an alliance ahead of civic polls in the state, Pawar said it is an internal matter for the two leaders. "They are free to make their own decisions. Nobody should interfere with this," he added. Pune: Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said that when various political parties come together and work, they are bound to have differences of opinion. He added that there is a need for a detailed discussion between Mahayuti allies on the subject of making Hindi a compulsory subject for school students from Std I, which he has already cited his opinion against. Pawar was referring to the ongoing controversy over the govt resolution in June on the implementation of the three-language policy. Later on Sunday, amid major backlash, state govt withdrew the GR and said a committee will now be constituted to determine the way forward. Speaking to reporters, Pawar had said Mahayuti govt is trying to ensure that the issue is addressed without any need for protest. "When different political parties come together and work, sometimes there are differences of opinion. But we need to consider what is best for the state, country, and the future of our children. I feel the best decisions are taken only when things are discussed; hence there is a need to discuss this issue," the deputy CM stated. Earlier, Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) had threatened a protest march in Mumbai against govt's decision on July 5. They had stated that the march would be held without party flags and would solely focus on opposing the compulsion of Hindi in schools, without raising any other issues. Asked if he too would join the protest march as he shares the same opinion, Pawar said, "We are trying to ensure there is no need for such protests." Pawar reiterated his stance that Hindi should not be mandatory from Std I. "Students should begin learning Hindi from Std V. Those who can read and write Marathi can easily pick up Hindi because the script for both languages is almost the same. So, there should be no problem even if we start teaching Hindi from Std V," he said. The deputy CM also said govt has made Marathi compulsory from Std I in schools of all mediums in the state to ensure that everyone — including children of those who have migrated from other states to Maharashtra for work — can learn Marathi. Asked about the possibility of Raj and Uddhav forming an alliance ahead of civic polls in the state, Pawar said it is an internal matter for the two leaders. "They are free to make their own decisions. Nobody should interfere with this," he added.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Three-language policy implemented in Maha in haste, chaos lead to revocation: Educators
Pune: Several educators in the state on Sunday reiterated that govt's decision on the three-language policy announced earlier in June was taken in haste and without consultation with experts, leading to complete chaos that resulted in the resolution being revoked. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Many asserted that the widespread opposition to the policy was not against the Hindi language, but its introduction from Std I. On Sunday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a committee to suggest the way forward in the implementation of the language policy and withdrew GRs issued in April and June this year, which had introduced Hindi learning as a must from a much younger age in school. In a reaction statement, the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal said, "There is hope he (Fadnavis) will continue to take decisions in the interest of Marathi in future, too." Mahendra Ganpule, former vice president, State Headmasters' Association, said, "There is no ill feeling against the third language or Hindi. But there was opposition to the wrong policy of implementing it from Std I without considering child psychology. We will present all our points in detail again before the committee and try to ensure that the right decision is taken in the interest of children." The parent of a Std III student from Kothrud, Shilpa Kulkarni, said Sunday's decision has put an end to ongoing confusion. "After schools resumed for the new academic year, we have only been discussing this issue. It was very difficult to handle the confusion and explain to our children whether the language subject has been incorporated. Now, we have clarity." The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and AAP Paalak Union issued a statement, saying, "There was no logical reason behind the insistence on imposing a third language in Std I when children already have the burden of English besides their mother tongue. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Govt issued this order surreptitiously through wordplay, without any insistence from parents or teachers. The public sentiment was that this was politics to undermine Marathi, the mother tongue in Maharashtra, by giving it secondary status and bringing Hindi forward as a transactional language, thus attacking diversity. " AAP's Mukund Kirdat said, "There was no reason to change the existing three-language formula starting at the secondary level. The opposition was not against Hindi or a third language but against its implementation from Std I." Chief coordinator of Shikshan Vikas Manch, Madhav Suryawanshi, said, "While CM has announced cancellation of the GR, considering past experience, we cannot trust this declaration till a notification is issued. Earlier, despite CM and the education minister publicly stating that three languages would not be made compulsory from Std I, govt still implemented the same decision. Until an order is issued stating that the decision stands cancelled, govt's stance cannot be trusted. Govt should issue that order." Pune: Several educators in the state on Sunday reiterated that govt's decision on the three-language policy announced earlier in June was taken in haste and without consultation with experts, leading to complete chaos that resulted in the resolution being revoked. Many asserted that the widespread opposition to the policy was not against the Hindi language, but its introduction from Std I. On Sunday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a committee to suggest the way forward in the implementation of the language policy and withdrew GRs issued in April and June this year, which had introduced Hindi learning as a must from a much younger age in school. In a reaction statement, the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal said, "There is hope he (Fadnavis) will continue to take decisions in the interest of Marathi in future, too." Mahendra Ganpule, former vice president, State Headmasters' Association, said, "There is no ill feeling against the third language or Hindi. But there was opposition to the wrong policy of implementing it from Std I without considering child psychology. We will present all our points in detail again before the committee and try to ensure that the right decision is taken in the interest of children." The parent of a Std III student from Kothrud, Shilpa Kulkarni, said Sunday's decision has put an end to ongoing confusion. "After schools resumed for the new academic year, we have only been discussing this issue. It was very difficult to handle the confusion and explain to our children whether the language subject has been incorporated. Now, we have clarity." The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and AAP Paalak Union issued a statement, saying, "There was no logical reason behind the insistence on imposing a third language in Std I when children already have the burden of English besides their mother tongue. Govt issued this order surreptitiously through wordplay, without any insistence from parents or teachers. The public sentiment was that this was politics to undermine Marathi, the mother tongue in Maharashtra, by giving it secondary status and bringing Hindi forward as a transactional language, thus attacking diversity. " AAP's Mukund Kirdat said, "There was no reason to change the existing three-language formula starting at the secondary level. The opposition was not against Hindi or a third language but against its implementation from Std I." Chief coordinator of Shikshan Vikas Manch, Madhav Suryawanshi, said, "While CM has announced cancellation of the GR, considering past experience, we cannot trust this declaration till a notification is issued. Earlier, despite CM and the education minister publicly stating that three languages would not be made compulsory from Std I, govt still implemented the same decision. Until an order is issued stating that the decision stands cancelled, govt's stance cannot be trusted. Govt should issue that order."
