Maharashtra Revokes Mandatory Hindi Rule in Schools Following Opposition
Facing widespread criticism, the Maharashtra government has revoked its recent directive that made Hindi a compulsory third language in Marathi- and English-medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. The decision was announced by State School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse after a Cabinet meeting held on April 22, 2025.
Bhuse stated that the word “mandatory” would be removed from the earlier order issued on April 16. While the three-language formula will still apply, schools must now allow alternative language options if a sufficient number of students request it.
April 16 Order Sparks Political and Cultural Pushback
The now-reversed order had drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, educationists, cultural groups, and even the government’s own allies. Many accused the state of enforcing Hindi imposition in a state where Marathi is the dominant language.
The timing of the order also coincided with ongoing protests in Tamil Nadu against similar central efforts, adding to the controversy. The decision to withdraw the rule indicates the sensitivity of language policy in India’s diverse educational landscape.
Chief Minister Fadnavis Cites NEP, Denies Language Imposition
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the state’s earlier decision by referencing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends multilingualism but does not impose any particular language. He emphasized that Maharashtra supports all Indian languages and clarified that Marathi remains compulsory in the curriculum.
Fadnavis also responded to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s criticism, asserting on social media that the policy was in line with NEP guidelines and offered flexibility to students to choose Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit, or other Indian languages.
Centre’s Push for Hindi Faces Nationwide Resistance
The Maharashtra rollback comes amid growing resistance to what several states view as the Centre’s overreach in promoting Hindi. In recent years, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued directives encouraging the use of Hindi in embassies, public sector undertakings, and government communication.
These efforts included making Hindi mandatory in official signage, railway announcements, competitive exams, and advertisements, especially in non-Hindi-speaking states. While the central government promotes these measures under the banner of linguistic unity, states like Maharashtra are responding with caution due to strong regional sentiments.
NEP 2020 and the Three-Language Formula
The National Education Policy 2020 endorses a three-language formula that emphasizes at least two Indian languages in the school curriculum. It also recommends using the mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, and ideally up to Grade 8 or beyond.
To support multilingual learning, the Centre has introduced bilingual and trilingual textbooks and made educational resources available in 33 Indian languages on the DIKSHA platform. However, the policy stresses flexibility and choice, not imposition.
Conclusion: Language Policy Requires Sensitivity and Inclusion
The Maharashtra government’s rollback reflects a broader realization that language in education is a deeply emotional and political issue. Even in BJP-led states, public pressure has forced a more measured approach to policy-making. The episode underlines the need for inclusive decisions that respect linguistic diversity, while aligning with national educational goals.
