Marathi writer Arvind Jagtap has criticised the government over the mandatory Hindi row. He wrote in his post. "Twenty children in the first grade should come together and choose a different language in the third grade. Then this government will provide teachers, meaning that the children should learn from the first grade how to split parties and gather MLAs.
Arvind Jagtap is known for his role as the postman in the show Chala Hawa Yeu Dya. Jagtap has slammed the state government for its decision to make Hindi mandatory.
In a Marathi speaking state like Maharashtra, the public expects the local language to be given due respect. However, in schools of central educational boards (CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalayas etc.), ‘Hindi’ is compulsorily taught as a third language. Parents and education experts are expressing the feeling that many schools do not offer an alternative language option, forcing Marathi students to learn Hindi.
Also Read: Planned Marathi Theatre Museum Project Reportedly Scrapped; Sparks Political Row
In April, the government had decided to make Hindi compulsory as a third language in classes 1 to 5. However, the decision was withdrawn due to cross-party opposition. Now, the new government decision states that Hindi will be the "generally third language", which has sparked a new controversy.
Although the word 'mandatory' has been omitted from this government decision, there is a condition that a demand of at least 20 students in a class is required to choose another Indian language as an alternative to Hindi. Educationists are criticising that since it is impossible for many schools to meet this condition, Hindi will in fact become the third language.
Share
Tweet
