Latest news with #MarathiAbhyasKendra
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Teachers' associations want rollback of 3-lang policy
Pune: Over 20 associations and groups working in the education sector have written to the state govt asking it to scrap the recently introduced compulsory third language in Stds I to V and revert to the two-language policy adopted until now. Schools are set reopen for the new academic year on June 16. The controversy started when govt issued an order on April 16 stating that Hindi will be compulsory as the third language. When it ran into opposition, school education minister Dada Bhuse, on April 22, announced that Hindi was not compulsory, it could be any other language. However, teachers' associations and education experts have told govt to scrap the three-language policy until Std V and issue a fresh GR to this effect. Mahendra Ganpule, spokesperson for Maharashtra School Principals' Federation, said, "Until now, in local body-run schools, Marathi was the first language and English the second or vice versa. Hindi was added in Std VI. We want that system to continue." The letter also opposes Bhuse's statements on making military training part of the curriculum from Std I and seeks a discussion with education experts before new changes are decided. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo Vasant Kalpande of Shikshan Vikas Manch said the lack of dialogue between govt and stakeholders was a problem. "Before every decision, there should be a healthy discussion between govt and the stakeholders that the decision affects. This should be a statewide discussion and not limited to certain centres. But lately, there has been no dialogue at all and decisions are being announced without considering anything. We oppose this," Kalpande said. Until the physical abilities of the children are fully developed, military training is useless and will likely harm the students in Std I and II, the letter added. Sushil Shejule, a member of Marathi Abhyas Kendra, wrote the letter on behalf of teachers' organisations. He said that the organisations want govt to either cancel the GR issued on April 16 or issue a revised GR rolling back the three-language policy. "There is a lot of confusion among schools because the first GR still stands. The minister saying something orally doesn't hold much value. It has to come in writing," he added. quote Even Sainik Schools start from Std VI and there is no scientific link proving that implementing military education will increase patriotism. Children at that age won't understand concepts of nation, a soldier's training, or their duties. Such military education may lead the country to a dictatorship. Hence, we oppose it Sushil Shejule I Marathi Abhyas Kendra Member
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Activists protest Hindi is made compulsory for Classes 1-5
MUMBAI: Several organisations working in the education sector came together at Dadar on Sunday opposing the Maharashtra government's decision to implement Hindi as the compulsory third language for Class 1 to 5. The participants unanimously demanded the state to withdraw this and issue a government resolution declaring Hindi would not be compulsory in the upcoming academic year. Last month, the state government made Hindi compulsory for Classes 1 to 5. Many educationists, scholars, and political leaders on Sunday voiced their concerns about what they described as 'an imposition of Hindi and a threat to Marathi language and identity.' They warned of demonstrations outside the six divisional commissioner offices and the education commissioner's office in Pune. Prakash Parab, language expert and founding member of the Marathi Abhyas Kendra, which organised the meeting, called it a 'double betrayal to Marathi speakers' for the state to portray Hindi as optional while also pushing it. 'Making students learn a third language from Class 1 without valid justification and choosing Hindi for political convenience is an act of disloyalty to Maharashtra.' Experts find that this three-language formula in these Classes, regardless of whether it's supported by the National Education Policy 2020, goes against the developmental needs of young children. Ramesh Panse, early education specialist and member of the government's steering committee, said, 'People often say children can learn three or four languages at a young age. It's true, but only if those languages are present in their surroundings. Otherwise, it becomes forced learning with little real benefit.' Criticising the policy's practical implications, education researcher Girish Samant pointed out what this would mean for the teachers. 'One teacher already handles Marathi, English, and other subjects in most primary schools. Now they'll be expected to teach a third language too,' he said. Many politicians too were present at the meeting, opposing Hindi compulsion for primary classes. Former industries and language minister Subhash Desai of the Shiv Sena (UBT) questioned the current administration's failure to implement earlier laws. Ajit Abhyankar of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) warned of stronger protests if the government doesn't reverse its decision. Prabhakar Narkar of Janata Dal (Secular) spoke of regional tensions, especially in Konkan. 'Non-Marathi-speaking people have bought land there in large numbers. In such areas, forcing Hindi only deepens the challenges for Marathi-speaking residents.' The organisation issued a statement with a series of action points, like forming a coordination committee with educationists, activists, and political representatives to steer the Marathi language movement. The group also reiterated its long-standing demand to implement compulsory Marathi teaching in all schools without delay.
