Thu Apr 17 14:19:32 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Makes Hindi Compulsory in Schools, Sparking Controversy

**Mumbai, April 17, 2025** – The Maharashtra state government’s decision to mandate Hindi as a third language for grades one through five has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the move, asserting that it will improve communication with the central government. However, the announcement has been met with fierce opposition from regional parties, particularly the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

The new policy, implemented as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will require students in Marathi and English-medium schools to learn Hindi alongside their native language and English. Currently, only two languages are mandatory for grades one to four.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray vehemently criticized the decision, arguing that imposing Hindi, a state language, on Maharashtra is unnecessary and undermines regional linguistic identities. He questioned the need to introduce Hindi at such a young age and urged the government to confine multilingual policies to administrative matters, not education.

The state’s School Education Department issued a government resolution detailing the phased implementation of the new curriculum based on NEP 2020, which structures school education in a 5+3+3+4 format. The new syllabus will align with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) while incorporating local context in relevant subjects. The government emphasizes that the education system is built upon the five pillars of inclusiveness, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. The policy changes are set to begin in the upcoming academic year. The debate over Hindi’s role in Maharashtra’s education system is expected to continue.

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