Special Correspondent
Mumbai
In a significant clarification amidst rising opposition to the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra schools, State School Education Minister Dada Bhuse has stated that Marathi — not Hindi — is the only compulsory language in schools across all mediums in Maharashtra. He explained that the Trilingual Formula introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) is aimed at ensuring that students in the state do not lag behind in national academic standards, not to enforce any language.
The clarification comes after a public outcry from parents, teachers’ unions, and political leaders — notably Raj Thackeray — who alleged that the government was enforcing Hindi on students as a mandatory subject from Class 1. Many feared it could threaten the status of Marathi in the state and impose an unnecessary burden on children.
Speaking to reporters, Bhuse said, “There is no mandatory imposition of Hindi in any government resolution. In fact, the word ‘compulsory’ is not mentioned anywhere in the recent circular for Classes 1 to 4. Hindi, as per long-standing policy, continues to be introduced from Class 5 onwards, and even then, it is offered as the third language, not as a compulsory subject.”
He further emphasized that Marathi remains mandatory across all schools in the state — whether English medium, Urdu, or other linguistic boards. “In English medium schools, students will study their first language (English), Marathi as the second, and then can choose a third language, which could be Hindi, Sanskrit, or any other approved language,” he explained.
The minister clarified that under the revised Trilingual Formula:
Students from Class 1 to 4 are not forced to study Hindi.
From Class 5 onwards, Hindi may be introduced as a third language, but it is not compulsory unless demanded by a minimum of 20 students in the class.
If less than 20 students opt for a particular language (like Hindi), online or alternate modes of instruction will be arranged for them.
This nuanced policy adjustment, Bhuse added, balances cultural preservation with national integration, giving students the choice to learn languages that can enhance their mobility and competitive edge, without diluting the primacy of Marathi.
Amid accusations that the language policy is influenced by the IAS lobby or driven by political pressures from Delhi, Bhuse maintained that the government stands firm on Marathi identity and is committed to protecting regional linguistic pride.
Opposition leaders, including MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, have continued to raise concerns over what they describe as the gradual Hindi-isation of Maharashtra’s academic system. Thackeray recently wrote to all school principals urging them to resist Hindi imposition and claimed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had privately assured him that the state would not enforce Hindi at the cost of Marathi.
As the debate continues, the state’s education department is expected to issue more detailed FAQs and circulars to schools to avoid confusion and reassure the public that Marathi will remain central to Maharashtra’s education system.
