Maharashtra Government Withdraws Mandatory Hindi Requirement for Primary Classes Amid Widespread Opposition
In a pivotal move responding to mounting political and public pressure, the Maharashtra Education Department has officially withdrawn its earlier directive that made Hindi a compulsory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5. The initial decision, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, sparked protests from regional political parties who accused the government of attempting to impose Hindi at the cost of regional language identity—particularly Marathi.
With the rollback, Hindi is now optional under the three-language formula, allowing students to choose a third language that suits their background or interest. Marathi continues to remain a mandatory part of the curriculum in all schools affiliated with the state education board.
State Education Minister Clarifies That Hindi Is No Longer Compulsory, Reinforces Commitment to Regional Language Autonomy
School Education Minister Dada Bhuse clarified that the term “mandatory” would be formally removed from the previous government resolution. He emphasized that the government was never against multilingual learning but had introduced Hindi due to its script similarity with Marathi, which uses Devanagari.
Bhuse assured that a revised resolution would soon follow to reflect this change officially. The minister reiterated that the decision aims to reduce pressure on young students while giving schools flexibility in implementing the NEP’s language policy without compromising regional linguistic identities.
Opposition Parties Condemn Original Language Directive, Call It Attempted Imposition of Hindi on Marathi Speakers
The original mandate received sharp criticism from the Opposition, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and the Congress. These parties argued that the imposition of Hindi was an infringement on the cultural and linguistic identity of Maharashtra.
Congress leader Vijay Waddetiwar questioned the motive behind making Hindi compulsory, stating, “You can keep it optional, but you cannot impose it. At whose behest are you trying to impose this language?” Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Marathi should never be undermined or forced to share academic space unfairly with Hindi.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Defends Language Flexibility, Cites Practical Concerns Like Teacher Availability
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed allegations of imposing Hindi on the state. He reiterated that Marathi would always be compulsory in Maharashtra, and there would be no enforcement of Hindi learning.
According to Fadnavis, under the NEP, students may choose a different third language besides Hindi, provided that at least 20 students opt for it. This condition ensures that educational institutions can allocate the necessary resources, such as hiring additional language teachers. He also acknowledged the practical reality that Hindi teachers are currently more widely available in Maharashtra than those for other regional languages.
Educational Experts Stress the Importance of Linguistic Freedom and the Psychological Wellbeing of Students
According to Rahul Rekhawar, Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the introduction of the third language in Class 1 is primarily aimed at fostering early multilingual abilities without overwhelming students. He clarified that the third language, including Hindi if chosen, would be taught mainly for speaking and listening purposes at the foundational level.
Rekhawar pointed out that making Hindi optional aligns with the spirit of the NEP 2020, which promotes choice, flexibility, and respect for India’s linguistic diversity. The revised language policy aims to enhance inclusivity and ensure that students learn without feeling burdened.
New Policy Promotes Linguistic Inclusivity While Adhering to NEP 2020 Framework
The government’s decision to revise the Maharashtra language policy, making Hindi optional, is a thoughtful step toward balancing national education goals with state-specific cultural and linguistic realities. The NEP 2020 encourages multilingualism through its three-language formula but also allows states and schools the freedom to select languages based on local preferences and student interest.
By ensuring Hindi is no longer mandatory, the Maharashtra government demonstrates its commitment to protecting regional identity while still embracing the national vision for multilingual education.
Maharashtra Language Policy Change Reflects Responsive Governance and Cultural Sensitivity
The Maharashtra government’s updated language directive shows that public feedback and regional sentiments play a crucial role in shaping education policy. Making Hindi optional instead of mandatory reflects not only the spirit of democracy but also the importance of linguistic and cultural inclusivity in India’s diverse educational landscape.
As the education system evolves under NEP 2020, it is essential that implementation remains flexible, student-focused, and respectful of local identities. The revised Maharashtra language policy—where Hindi is optional—is a positive example of responsive governance in action.
