Maharashtra Government Makes Hindi Compulsory as Third Language Amidst Language Controversy

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Amidst the language controversy in Maharashtra, the state government has taken a big decision. Hindi will be compulsory as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools from class 1 to 5 in the state. On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government has officially issued the order.

The government clarified that Hindi will be implemented as a third language for general study. The government said in the order, "Marathi will be a compulsory language in schools of all mediums. All arrangements for this implementation will be made by the education department. Hindi will now be the third language for classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools."

However, if these students express their wish to teach any other Indian language as a third language instead of Hindi then those students will be allowed to teach that language as a third language. If students in the school express their wish to teach other languages ​​instead of Hindi as a third language, then their class should have a minimum number of 20. If at least 20 students express their wish to teach other third languages ​​instead of Hindi then a teacher will be provided to teach that language, otherwise the said language will be taught online.

The order said, "This will be implemented immediately at the state level. In Marathi and English medium schools, three languages, namely medium language, Marathi and English will be taught for classes 1 to 5 in other medium schools."

In other medium schools, three languages ​​namely medium language, Marathi and English will be studied from class 1 to 5. Compulsory language policy for class 6 to 10 will be as per the State Curriculum Framework-School Guidance.”

The state government has also said in its order that the language policy for classes 6 to 10 will be as per the State Curriculum Plan- School Guidelines. At present, the state government has uploaded its order on the government website, whose code number is 202506172233593421. The order states that the government corrigendum is being issued by signing it digitally.