After backlash, Maharashtra makes Hindi optional in primary schools

According to the revised guidelines, Marathi will be a compulsory subject in all schools, regardless of the medium of instruction.

After facing backlash from politicians and public over its decision to make Hindi language compulsory in Marathi and English-medium primary schools, the Maharashtra government revised its policy on Wednesday, now allowing students from Classes 1 to 5 to choose another Indian language as the third language, News18 reported.

According to the report, the School Education Department has issued a revised government resolution. The corrigendum states: “As per the State Curriculum Framework – School Education 2024, Hindi will generally serve as the third language from Class 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. However, if students wish to study another Indian language in place of Hindi, they will be allowed to do so.”

The resolution further clarifies: “If at least 20 students in a particular class at a school opt for a language other than Hindi, a teacher will be appointed for that language. If the number is less than 20, the language will be taught through online mode.”

The directive aligns with the recently adopted State Curriculum Framework (SCF) 2023, which aims to standardise multilingual education across the state, the report added.

According to the revised guidelines, Marathi will be a compulsory subject in all schools, regardless of the medium of instruction. In schools other than Marathi and English medium, the three languages to be taught from Classes 1 to 5 will include the medium of instruction, Marathi, and English. The language policy for Classes 6 to 10 will continue to follow the provisions outlined in the State Curriculum Framework.

Earlier this year, in April, the Maharashtra government put on hold its decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language for Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools.

School Education Minister Dada Bhuse had announced that a revised government resolution (GR) would be issued on the matter.

The original decision to mandate Hindi as a third language sparked criticism from various quarters, including political opposition from parties like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

The move also faced pushback shortly after the state’s language consultation committee requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reconsider and roll back the decision, the News18 report added.