Maharashtra’s plan to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has sparked strong opposition over the inclusion of Hindi as a third compulsory language in schools. On April 16, the state education department announced that from the 2025-26 academic year, Marathi and English-medium students must study Marathi, English, and Hindi from Class 1.
However, the state’s Language Advisory Committee has opposed this move. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the committee urged the government to reconsider its decision. It argued that the early inclusion of Hindi places unnecessary pressure on students and sidelines Marathi.
Language Panel Challenges NEP Language Mandate
The committee stressed that introducing Hindi so early is not educationally sound and may conflict with how young children learn languages. Moreover, it warned that this step could undermine the status of Marathi, the state’s official language. Maharashtra now joins Tamil Nadu as a major state challenging NEP’s three-language policy.
Regional identity and cultural preservation are at the heart of the debate. Critics say making Hindi compulsory may weaken Marathi’s presence in the classroom and the state’s broader cultural landscape.
Political Opposition Gains Momentum
Several political leaders and parties have joined the protest. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray strongly criticized the policy. He called it an attempt to “Hindi-fy” the state and warned of protests if the government enforced it. He also stated that the MNS would block the sale of Hindi textbooks in Maharashtra.
The Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) voiced similar objections. Congress leader Harshawardhan Sapkal described the policy as a “ploy to destroy Marathi language and identity.” Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned the need to introduce Hindi when students already study Marathi and English. He said, “Why impose Hindi when Marathi and English are already in the curriculum?”
Government Defends NEP Rollout
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar defended the state’s decision. He said critics were politicizing the issue. According to Pawar, the three-language formula fits the NEP’s goal of promoting national unity through multilingual learning. He also reassured the public that Marathi would remain the primary language in the state.
“This move supports national integration. Some people just want to stir controversy,” Pawar said.
NEP Rollout Plan in Maharashtra
Maharashtra plans to roll out NEP 2020 in stages. In 2025-26, the policy begins with Class 1. Then, in 2026-27, it will extend to Classes 2 through 6. Additional grades will follow in later years. The state will also adopt the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 system, which replaces the traditional 10+2 structure. This aims to improve foundational learning and encourage holistic growth.
Parents and Educators Divided
Educators and parents have mixed opinions. Some believe learning Hindi early will help children communicate nationally. Others think it may overload them and lower focus on Marathi and English.
Dr. Anjali Deshmukh, a Mumbai-based education consultant, commented, “The priority should be strengthening Marathi and English first. Hindi can be added later.”
What Comes Next?
The Mahayuti government faces a critical decision. Will it proceed with the current policy or revise it to address public concerns? How the government handles this situation could influence similar debates in other states.
The outcome will shape not only the future of primary education in Maharashtra but also how India manages language policy in its diverse education system.
