Archive · 19 Jun 2025
Maharashtra's Hindi Language Policy Sparks Controversy
The Maharashtra government wants kids in grades 1-5 to learn Hindi.
Some people aren't happy because they think the government is forcing Hindi on them.
Even though students can choose another language if enough people want it, some folks believe it's not easy to make a different choice.
Some worry about too many languages for young kids and the quality of teaching.
They're also worried it might affect the Marathi language.
Maharashtra government issued a revised order making Hindi the default third language for classes 1-5.
The revised order allows students to choose another Indian language if at least 20 students in a class request it.
Critics argue the 20-student minimum makes alternatives impractical, effectively imposing Hindi.
Multiple groups, including MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT), and AAP, oppose the policy, citing concerns about Hindi imposition.
The Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad and other organizations are also protesting the government's policy.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government, various political parties (MNS, Shiv Sena UBT, AAP), literary organizations, and school students.
- What
- The Maharashtra government's revised language policy for primary schools, with Hindi as the default third language.
- When
- The revised GR was released recently after an earlier version was withdrawn.
- Where
- Maharashtra, specifically in primary schools for classes 1-5.
- Why
- The policy has triggered opposition due to concerns about the imposition of Hindi, potential strain on students, and perceived disregard for Marathi.
Opponents of the Policy
Maharashtra Government
Main Argument
Opponents of the Policy
Hindi imposition threatens Marathi and adds burden on students.
Maharashtra Government
Hindi promotes wider communication and academic benefits.
- Policy Change
- Hindi as default third language in classes 1-5
- Affected Classes
- 1-5
- Opt-Out Condition
- Minimum 20 students per class
- Opposition Groups
- MNS, Shiv Sena UBT, AAP, Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad
- Prior Policy
- Hindi was initially mandated
- Government Response
- Marathi is compulsory, Hindi is optional
Sources
Hindi mandatory in schools: New state notification technically position Hindi as third language in Maharashtra schools for many
Children thrive in their mother tongue — but only if no one is left out
'Hindi As Third Language' No Longer Mandatory In Schools: Maharashtra Govt's Fresh GR Offers Opt-Out Option For Students
After Backlash, Maharashtra Makes Hindi Optional As Third Language In Schools
Hindi made mandatory as 3rd language in Maharashtra schools; Marathi outfits slam ‘backdoor’ move
Maharashtra Revises 3rd Language Notification, Hindi Not Mandatory In Schools
Maharashtra Mandates Hindi as Third Language, Marathi Organisations Slam 'Backdoor Move'
Hindi to be taught as 3rd language in Maharashtra schools; Marathi outfits, Cong slam move
Hindi ‘mandatory’ as third language in Maharashtra schools; Marathi groups decry ‘backdoor imposition’
Hindi now mandatory 3rd language in Maharashtra schools
Hindi spoken largely in public life, learning it will benefit students: Minister
Hindi as 3rd language made compulsory in Maharashtra
Hindi will be third compulsory language for classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra
Foil govt ‘agenda’ to create language divide: Raj Thackeray to schools after order on Hindi
'IAS Lobby Behind Hindi Push In Schools': Raj Thackeray Hits Out At Maharashtra Govt
IAS lobby doesn't want to learn Marathi: Raj Thackeray on Hindi mandate
Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse Defends Hindi As Third Language In Schools, Cites Public Utility
Row over Hindi: Marathi literary body opposes three-language formula for Classes 1 to 5
Revised GR makes Hindi default third language in Maharashtra schools
Three-language row: MNS defaces Hindi textbooks at Balbharti; Sena (UBT), AAP oppose policy