Maharashtra makes Hindi compulsory third language for classes 1-5

The Maharashtra government has made Hindi a compulsory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools, issuing an order despite earlier assurances that such a policy was on hold.

Anti-Hindi debate

Marathi language advocates have accused the government of reintroducing the policy through the "backdoor" after initially backtracking on it. The Maharashtra School Education Department on Tuesday issued the order as part of the implementation of the 'State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024', aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

According to the order, all students in classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools will now mandatorily study Hindi as the third language "generally".

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'Minimum of 20 students'

"Those who wish to learn any other language as an option to Hindi, should meet the expectation of 20 students from each standard in a school. In such a situation, a teacher for that particular language will be made available or the language will be taught online," the order stated.

Critics claim the government's latest move contradicts earlier statements of School Education Minister Dada Bhuse that Hindi would not be mandatory for the primary classes.

Though the government order provides a conditional option for students to opt for another Indian language instead of Hindi, it stipulates that a minimum of 20 students per school must opt for the alternative.

If a such demand arises, either a teacher will be appointed or the language will be taught online, the order added.

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Three-language rule

The directive also mandates that in schools following other mediums of instruction, the three-language formula must include the medium language, Marathi, and English.

Earlier this year, the state government faced widespread backlash for its proposal to introduce Hindi from class 1.

Contradictory message

On April 22, Bhuse said Hindi would no longer be compulsory in classes 1 to 5.

Last month, the minister at an event in Pune said, "The decision to introduce Hindi from class 1 as a third language was taken earlier. However, many parents have suggested it be introduced from class 3 instead. We will consider these suggestions before taking any further decision." He also said at the time that the three-language formula was "on hold" and schools would continue with the existing two-language system for now.

But the latest order appears to contradict that assurance, prompting a fresh wave of opposition.

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'Backdoor Hindi imposition'

"This is nothing but the backdoor imposition of Hindi," claimed Deepak Pawar of the Mumbai-based Marathi Bhasha Abhyas Kendra, working to preserve the Marathi language.

"The government has betrayed the Marathi people. If we remain silent now, it will pave the way for dismantling the federal structure and the legacy of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement," he charged in a social media post, urging people to protest.

Vasant Kalpande, former chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, said it is unlikely to find 20 students in a class opting for a non-Hindi language.

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Hindi as a third language is not mandatory in Gujarat and Assam, Kalpande pointed out.

(with inputs from agencies)