Maharashtra Makes Hindi ‘General’ Third Language in Schools

The Maharashtra government has issued a revised directive stating that Hindi will be “generally” taught as a third language from Classes 1 to 5 in all Marathi and English medium schools, as part of the implementation of the State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While the policy allows opting for other Indian languages, this option is conditional, leading to criticism from language activists and opposition leaders who have accused the government of reintroducing Hindi through the backdoor after earlier public resistance.

Why in News?

The new government order has reignited debates over language imposition and regional identity in Maharashtra. The move follows earlier protests against the compulsory introduction of Hindi from Class 1, which was subsequently put “on hold.” The updated policy now makes Hindi the default third language, unless at least 20 students per grade opt for another Indian language, raising questions over inclusivity, feasibility, and state autonomy in education.

Key Policy Changes

• Hindi will “generally” be the third language in Marathi and English medium schools for Classes 1–5.
• Students can opt for another Indian language if 20 students per class make the request.
• In such cases, the language will be taught either by hiring a teacher or via online instruction.
• Marathi remains compulsory across all school mediums.

Government’s Stand

• Implemented under the State Curriculum Framework 2024, aligning with NEP 2020.
• Aims to promote multilingual learning, national integration, and cognitive development.
• Offers flexibility, though critics argue the threshold of 20 students is impractical in many schools.

Criticism and Political Response

• Opposition parties (e.g., Congress) allege Hindi is being imposed despite earlier reassurances.
• Marathi language activists claim this is a “backdoor” implementation of earlier plans that were rolled back.
• Critics argue the provision is a cosmetic compromise, citing earlier assurances by School Education Minister Dada Bhuse that Hindi wouldn’t be mandatory.

Previous Controversy

• The earlier plan to introduce Hindi compulsorily from Class 1 sparked widespread backlash.
• In April 2025, the state said the three-language policy was on hold and that existing two-language models would continue.
• The current move is seen as a contradiction of those prior statements.

NEP and Language Education

NEP 2020 advocates a three-language formula, typically including,

• The regional language
• Hindi
• English
• The policy encourages flexibility, but implementation is up to states, hence the controversy.