Maharashtra Panel Proposes AI and ICT Education from Class 1 in Supplementary Report
Maharashtra Panel Proposes AI, ICT Education from Class 1

Maharashtra Education Committee Submits Report, Proposes AI and ICT from Class 1

The Maharashtra government's committee on the three-language policy has formally submitted its comprehensive report to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking a significant development in the state's educational reform efforts. The eight-member panel, chaired by Narendra Jadhav, presented the document during a meeting that also included School Education Minister Dada Bhuse.

Supplementary Report Focuses on Technology Education

While the specific recommendations regarding the controversial three-language formula remain confidential, the committee revealed it has submitted a supplementary report proposing groundbreaking changes to the school curriculum. This additional document advocates for the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as formal subjects spanning from Class 1 through Class 12.

"Besides the three language formula, the committee has also submitted a supplementary report on introducing AI and ICT from Class 1 to 12 in the school education system," confirmed committee chairperson Narendra Jadhav during the submission ceremony.

Current Educational Gaps and Global Context

Jadhav highlighted significant gaps in Maharashtra's current educational offerings, noting that AI is not taught at any level in schools, while existing ICT curriculum elements are outdated and insufficient. He provided important global context, stating that only four countries worldwide, including China and Singapore, have successfully integrated these technology subjects into their school systems.

"Maharashtra can develop its own customized curriculum for these subjects," Jadhav emphasized, suggesting the state could pioneer technology education implementation in India.

Report Submission and Next Steps

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged receipt of the report, stating: "The Narendra Jadhav committee has submitted the report to the government. The report will be taken to the cabinet for discussions. The cabinet will decide whether the report should be accepted as it is or requires modifications."

The committee chairperson declined to disclose specific recommendations, explaining that the document now represents "the intellectual property of the CM" and will be presented to the state cabinet for final decision-making. The cabinet is expected to review and discuss the report in the coming days.

Committee Background and Formation

The eight-member committee was originally constituted in June 2025 with a specific mandate to study public opinion and gather expert views regarding Maharashtra's three-language policy for schools. This formation came in response to widespread criticism of the state government's previous attempt to mandate Hindi as the third language in both Marathi and English medium schools under the Maharashtra State Board.

Although initially given a three-month deadline with expectations of a December 2025 submission, the committee's timeline was extended twice, each time by one month. The final report submission occurred after these extensions, culminating in Monday's presentation to the Chief Minister.

Potential Educational Transformation

The supplementary report's proposal represents a potentially transformative shift in Maharashtra's educational landscape. If implemented, it would position the state as a national leader in technology education, introducing complex subjects like Artificial Intelligence to students at the earliest educational stages.

The comprehensive approach covering all twelve grades suggests a structured, progressive curriculum that could build foundational technology skills from elementary education through secondary school completion.

As the state cabinet prepares to review both the three-language policy recommendations and the supplementary technology education proposal, educational stakeholders across Maharashtra await decisions that could reshape the state's academic priorities and prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven future.