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5d ago

Maharashtra Reverses Mandatory Hindi Policy in Schools

Following backlash, the state government makes Hindi optional as a third language under NEP 2020, allowing students to choose from other Indian languages.

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The minister said that in a recent steering committee meeting, Hindi was proposed as the third language in the school curriculum, but this was misinterpreted in the government order which used the term “mandatory”, causing confusion. (HT)
Nagpur, Apr 20 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addresses the gathering during the 'Pink E-Rickshaw Distribution Ceremony', in Nagpur on Sunday. (ANI Photo) (CMO Maharashtra - X)

Overview

  • The Maharashtra government has withdrawn its April 16 order making Hindi mandatory as a third language for Classes 1 to 5, following widespread criticism from political and cultural groups.
  • Hindi will now be an optional third language, and students can choose from other Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, or Sanskrit if at least 20 students in a class request it.
  • The revised policy aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes multilingualism but does not mandate any specific language.
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the flexibility of the NEP and countered Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin's criticism, emphasizing that no language is being imposed in Maharashtra.
  • The reversal highlights ongoing debates over language, regional identity, and federal authority in India, with Maharashtra's move reflecting sensitivities in non-Hindi-speaking states.