Mumbai:- The Maharashtra government has officially withdrawn its earlier mandate requiring Hindi as a compulsory third language in primary schools, following widespread public and political opposition.
According to a newly issued government resolution (GR), students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools will now have the freedom to choose any other Indian language in place of Hindi. The decision is part of a broader revision aligned with the State Curriculum Framework – School Education 2024, aiming to offer more linguistic flexibility while ensuring inclusivity.
Under the revised policy, if at least 20 students in a class opt for an alternative language, the school will be required to appoint a dedicated teacher. In cases where fewer students make that choice, the subject will be offered through online instruction.
Marathi remains a mandatory subject across all schools in the state.
The policy shift comes after strong objections from various quarters, particularly the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which labeled the earlier move as an imposition of Hindi. The state’s language consultation committee had also advised the government to reconsider the directive, citing concerns over regional autonomy and linguistic diversity.
Officials said the revision is intended to foster inclusivity and empower students with the choice to engage with languages that reflect their cultural roots, while ensuring continuity and balance within the state’s education framework.
