Sun Apr 20 21:07:00 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Language Panel Rejects Hindi Compulsory in Schools
**Mumbai, April 21, 2025** – The Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools from classes 1 to 5 has faced strong opposition. The Language Consultation Committee, in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has urged the government to revoke the order.
The committee, chaired by Laxmikant Deshmukh, argues that imposing Hindi contradicts the principle of mother-tongue instruction in primary school and places an undue burden on both students and teachers already struggling with teaching Marathi and English effectively. The letter points out that the current quality of Marathi and English education is inadequate due to teacher shortages, and introducing a third language will only exacerbate the issue. The committee also expressed concern that prioritizing Hindi could lead to a reduction in Marathi teaching positions.
The panel further argues that the linguistic and cultural impact of Hindi imposition on Maharashtra has been significant and detrimental, unlike the situation in other parts of India where inter-regional language learning is not common. They view the mandate as an insult to the Marathi language and its speakers, given the reluctance of Hindi speakers to learn Marathi even when residing in Maharashtra. The committee strongly recommends reconsidering the decision to prevent further linguistic and cultural damage to the state. The decision to make Hindi compulsory is part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
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