Fri Apr 18 07:37:41 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Makes Hindi Mandatory in Schools, Sparking Controversy
**Mumbai, April 18, 2025** – The Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language in classes 1-5 has ignited a political firestorm. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar defended the move, stating that opponents are creating unnecessary disputes due to a lack of substantive issues. He emphasized that Marathi will remain the primary language of the state and highlighted the central government’s support for Marathi’s development, citing Prime Minister Modi’s granting of classical language status. Pawar also announced plans for a Marathi Bhasha Bhavan in Mumbai.
However, the decision, part of the state’s phased implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has drawn sharp criticism. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray condemned the move, viewing it as an attempt at Hindi imposition. The Congress echoed these concerns, labeling the decision as coercive.
The new curriculum will introduce a three-language system (Marathi, Hindi, and English) for young students, a departure from the previous two-language system. While Pawar asserts the importance of all three languages, opposition parties remain vocal in their resistance, arguing that the move undermines Marathi’s primacy.
First Piper 