- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maharashtra education policy: The Maharashtra government has officially cancelled its earlier decision to make Hindi a compulsory subject in all schools. Under the new policy, students in Classes 1 to 5 can now choose any Indian language as their third language. This rule applies to both English and Marathi-medium schools.
As per the revised guidelines, a school must appoint a dedicated teacher if 20 or more students in a class select the same language. In case fewer than 20 students opt for an alternative language, the subject will be taught through online resources to ensure all students have access.
The policy revision stems from the State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024. It emphasizes linguistic flexibility and student choice, while also preserving regional identity by keeping Marathi a compulsory subject in all schools.
In schools where the medium of instruction is neither Marathi nor English, students from Classes 1 to 5 will study their primary language of instruction, Marathi, and English. The language framework for Classes 6 to 10 will continue as per previously set guidelines under the framework.
This change came after a wave of backlash against the earlier rule introduced in April, which made Hindi mandatory in English and Marathi-medium schools. Political parties, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), strongly opposed the decision, arguing it imposed linguistic uniformity.
Responding to the public and political criticism, the state’s Language Consultation Committee recommended scrapping the mandatory Hindi rule. Following this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the change, and Education Minister Dada Bhuse confirmed the cancellation, issuing a fresh Government Resolution (GR).