Pune, Jun 18 (PTI) — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that students in the state are no longer required to study Hindi as a compulsory third language. Under the new directive, any Indian language can now be selected as the third language in schools.
Speaking to reporters in Dehu, Fadnavis emphasized the importance of preserving Indian languages, noting that while English is often prioritized, native languages are frequently overlooked. He added that language-related disputes are needless and counterproductive.
Maharashtra Makes Hindi Optional as Third Language, Sparks Political Row
Pune, Jun 18 (PTI) — The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued a revised order stating that Hindi will “generally” be taught as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5, but it will no longer be mandatory.
According to the amended government resolution (GR), students can opt for any Indian language as the third language if at least 20 students per grade in a school request the change. This marks a shift from the earlier policy that mandated Hindi as the third language.
However, the move has triggered a political backlash. Some pro-Marathi groups accused the government of reintroducing the policy through the “backdoor” after initially rolling it back. The Congress party also slammed the decision, alleging it was a “betrayal” of the Marathi-speaking population.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray strongly opposed the directive, questioning the need to “impose” Hindi on students. He urged schools to resist what he termed the government’s “hidden agenda” to create linguistic discord.
Despite the criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the decision, saying the government had removed the compulsion and was offering linguistic choice. He emphasized the importance of promoting Indian languages and called language-based disputes unnecessary.
Fadnavis Clarifies: Hindi Optional, Not Imposed in Maharashtra Schools
Pune, Jun 18 (PTI) — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified on Wednesday that the state has withdrawn the earlier compulsion to study Hindi as a third language. Under the revised government resolution (GR), Hindi is now optional, and students can choose any Indian language if at least 20 students per grade request it.
Fadnavis emphasized that while Marathi remains compulsory, Hindi cannot be imposed on a state where Marathi is the primary language. “Hindi is the state language in some northern states, but forcing it on Maharashtra would be wrong,” he said.
The change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which recommends a three-language formula: the mother tongue, plus two additional languages—at least one of which must be an Indian language. English, Fadnavis noted, is often chosen as one of the three due to its utility and global importance.
He explained that Hindi had initially been proposed as the third language primarily because Hindi teachers are readily available across the state.
The policy update comes amid political criticism, with opponents accusing the government of attempting to reintroduce Hindi through the backdoor. Fadnavis, however, insisted the new order empowers schools and students with language choice, removing any compulsion.
Fadnavis: Hindi Not Imposed, Students Free to Choose Any Indian Language as Third Option
Pune, Jun 18 (PTI) — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that the state government has removed the compulsion to learn Hindi as the third language in schools. Under the revised order, students are now free to choose any Indian language, provided at least 20 students in a grade opt for it. He also assured that teachers would be made available, and online learning options would be arranged if needed.
“Hindi is no longer mandatory. Any Indian language can be selected as the third language,” Fadnavis said. “We will ensure resources are in place to support the choice — be it teachers or digital learning.”
He noted that while English is widely promoted, Indian languages often do not receive the same attention, which he described as inappropriate. “Indian languages are better than English in many ways. While English serves as a global means of communication, the NEP has elevated Marathi to a language of knowledge,” he said.
Fadnavis highlighted that under the National Education Policy (NEP), professional education such as engineering, medicine, and even MBA courses are now being taught in Marathi. “Because of the NEP, Marathi is evolving into a language of knowledge and economics. It’s a step towards making Marathi globally relevant,” he added.
Responding to criticism from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who alleged the government was imposing a third language, Fadnavis said he had personally discussed the matter with him. “Raj Thackeray believes only two languages should be taught. I explained that the three-language formula is part of the NEP, implemented nationwide after extensive consultation,” he said.
He emphasized that Maharashtra cannot diverge from the national education framework, especially when other states, including Tamil Nadu, had unsuccessfully challenged the policy in court.
“I want to ask—what is the harm in learning a third Indian language?” Fadnavis said. “The NEP was created after detailed studies and inputs from experts, considering how to enhance children’s cognitive abilities and mental development.”
He concluded by stating that language-based disputes are unnecessary and that the focus should be on strengthening Indian languages and offering students greater academic choice.
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