The Maharashtra government has withdrawn two government resolutions that made Hindi the third language in primary schools. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision ahead of the monsoon session of the state legislature.
The first GR, issued on April 16, had made Hindi compulsory from Classes 1 to 5. The second GR, issued on June 17, made Hindi optional but limited other language choices.Fadnavis said both GRs are cancelled.
A new committee led by Dr. Narendra Jadhav will now study the three-language policy. The committee will suggest which classes it should apply to, how to implement it, and what language options students should have. The final decision will be based on the committee’s report.
Shiv Sena (UBT) members protested the GRs by burning copies across the state. The protests took place the same day Fadnavis made the announcement. Fadnavis said the issue was discussed in the cabinet meeting held at the Sahayadri Guest House. He was joined by Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde.
Fadnavis said Marathi has always been the state’s top priority. It will remain compulsory. He said Hindi was only meant to be an optional third language. Students could also choose other Indian languages instead of Hindi.
Fadnavis also criticized the opposition. He said the earlier government led by Uddhav Thackeray had accepted a three-language policy without objection. He said the previous government had approved a report by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar. That report recommended making Hindi and English mandatory. He also said that Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vijay Kadam was part of that committee.
Fadnavis said the government is trying to build agreement on the issue. Education Minister Dadasaheb Bhuse is talking to leaders from all political parties. Fadnavis said politics should not be brought into classrooms.
Whereas, Raj Thackeray, head of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, welcomed the withdrawal of the GRs. He said both GRs are cancelled for good. He also said the Narendra Jadhav committee must not go forward unless that is the case.
Timeline of the matter:
1. On April 22, Education Minister Bhuse had said Hindi would not be mandatory. He had promised a new GR to clear confusion.
2. On June 17, a new GR said Hindi would generally be the third language. It allowed other Indian languages only if at least 20 students in a class chose it. Critics said this made Hindi the default again.
3. On June 26, Bhuse made another statement. He said that from Classes 1 and 2, the third language would only be taught in spoken form. Reading and writing would begin from Class 3. He also said any of the 22 Indian languages can be taught. He confirmed that Hindi is not compulsory.
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