Maharashtra CM Stands Firm on Hindi Clause Amid Rising Opposition

Language Panel Urges Reversal, Calls Policy “Unilateral”

PUNE — A growing linguistic controversy has emerged in Maharashtra after the state government approved a clause mandating Hindi as the third language for students from classes 1 to 5. In a direct challenge to the decision, the Maharashtra Language Consultation Committee has formally requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to withdraw the clause, citing procedural bypassing and concerns about language imposition.

Committee chief Laxmikant Deshmukh, in a strongly-worded letter sent to the CM on Sunday, claimed that the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) failed to include the committee’s insights and recommendations before approving the policy shift. He argued that the move contradicts the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasizes mother-tongue instruction rather than enforcing a specific language.

“There is no clause in the NEP that mandates any specific language,” the letter stated. “On the contrary, the policy promotes education in the mother tongue. Hindi should not be made mandatory at any stage of education.”

Opposition Accuses Government of Linguistic Bias

The new policy has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), both of which accused the Fadnavis administration of enforcing Hindi in a state where Marathi holds official linguistic primacy.

Opposition leaders contend that the policy dilutes regional identity and undermines linguistic diversity. They have warned of potential protests if the government refuses to reconsider the clause. “This is not just a language issue—it’s a cultural one,” a Shiv Sena spokesperson said.

The government, however, maintains that the policy is in alignment with NEP guidelines, which recommend a three-language formula emphasizing Indian languages. The clause requires Hindi to be introduced in English- and Marathi-medium schools, prompting concerns over curricular and instructional readiness, especially in rural areas.

Fadnavis: “Marathi Remains Compulsory, No Language Being Imposed”

Addressing reporters in Pune, Chief Minister Fadnavis defended the policy, asserting that it does not diminish the importance of Marathi. “Marathi is compulsory in Maharashtra. That will never change,” he said. “What we are doing is simply offering a third language—Hindi—not replacing Marathi with it.”

Fadnavis clarified that the NEP recommends that two of the three taught languages be Indian languages. He added that Hindi was chosen primarily due to the availability of qualified teachers, as compared to other Indian languages such as Tamil or Malayalam, for which teacher availability remains limited.

“We need to reflect on our own perceptions,” Fadnavis said. “Why are Indian languages often viewed as inferior to English? This mindset must change if we are to foster cultural confidence in our educational framework.”

While the state government remains steadfast, the backlash has spotlighted broader national concerns over language politics, educational equity, and regional autonomy in curriculum decisions.