A sharper enforcement push has been initiated by the Maharashtra government to ensure that Marathi is taught across all schools in the state, irrespective of board affiliation, medium of instruction or management structure. Through fresh guidelines issued in a government resolution, it has been made clear that violations of the Marathi language mandate will no longer be treated lightly. Financial penalties have been provided for, and the possibility of derecognition has also been formally built into the process.
The legal foundation for this action had already been laid in the 2020–21 academic year, when Marathi was made compulsory from Classes 1 to 10 under the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language Act, 2020. However, despite the law having been in force for several years, complaints had continued to be raised that the requirement was not being followed in many schools. Special concern had been expressed about English-medium institutions and schools affiliated with central boards, particularly in major urban centres.
In response, a 13-point enforcement mechanism has now been prescribed by the state education department. Under this system, inspections are to be carried out during the first two months of the academic year by committees made up of deputy directors, education inspectors and language experts. If violations are detected, notices are to be issued to school managements, and explanations are to be sought within 15 days. Where non-compliance is confirmed, a fine of ₹1 lakh is to be imposed and arrangements for immediate implementation are to be ordered.
A second layer of administrative action has also been provided. Appeals may be filed before the director of school education by institutions against which action has been taken. If the violation is again upheld at that stage, a report is to be submitted to the commissioner of school education. On the basis of that report, derecognition proceedings may be started, and a hearing is to be conducted within three months. A gradual but firm escalation route has therefore been established.
The significance of this development has been heightened by remarks from officials who have indicated that the problem has been especially visible in cities like Mumbai, Thane and Pune. It has been claimed that in some cases Marathi teachers had not even been appointed. Such observations have suggested that the issue was not merely procedural, but structural.
What has also been underlined by the state is that the rule is universal in scope. No distinction has been made between state board schools, central board schools, aided or unaided institutions, or schools operating in different mediums. The message being conveyed is that Marathi, as the state language, is expected to be taught uniformly across Maharashtra.
At the same time, the protocol appears to have been carefully structured so that enforcement action may withstand legal challenge. Inspections, notices, opportunities for explanation, appeals and hearings have all been included. Through this, a stronger administrative and legal basis has been created for implementation. The overall shift suggests that the Marathi mandate is no longer to remain a symbolic requirement; it is now to be monitored, enforced and, where necessary, backed by strict punishment.