Maharashtra Minister Reaffirms Marathi as Mandatory Subject in All Schools
In a significant declaration during the state assembly session on Friday, Maharashtra's Minister for School Education, Dada Bhuse, firmly reiterated that Marathi is a compulsory subject for schools across all educational boards and language mediums within the state. This statement was made in direct response to questions raised by legislators, underscoring the government's commitment to preserving and promoting the regional language.
Fee Regulation and Study Group Formation
Alongside the language mandate, Minister Bhuse revealed that a dedicated study group has been established to regulate fees for primary and secondary schools throughout Maharashtra. This initiative aims to address concerns over rising educational costs and ensure affordability for families, reflecting a broader effort to improve the state's schooling system.
Plans to Boost Marathi School Enrolment
Addressing specific queries about Marathi-medium schools, Bhuse outlined an ambitious target to increase enrolment in these institutions by 25% by the academic year 2026-27. He acknowledged a notable decline in enrolment over the past decade, attributing it largely to the Aadhaar verification exercise conducted by schools, which may have led to data discrepancies or reduced numbers due to stricter documentation requirements.
Enrolment Statistics Highlight Decline
The minister provided detailed figures, noting that enrolment in Marathi-medium schools in Maharashtra dropped by approximately 6 lakh students between 2012-13 and 2023-24. Specifically, it fell from 2.18 crore in 2012-13 to 2.12 crore in 2023-24. This decline has raised concerns among educators and policymakers about the future of Marathi-language education.
Criticism and Parental Preferences
In a candid remark, Bhuse pointed out a paradox in the debate over Marathi schools. He stated that many individuals who criticize the decline in enrolment themselves prefer to send their children to English-medium schools. "People who complain don't want to send their child to a Marathi school in their village and prefer an English-medium school which is 25km away," he said, highlighting a societal preference that may be contributing to the challenges faced by Marathi institutions.
Assembly Concerns and MLA Involvement
The issue was brought to the forefront in the assembly by MLAs Vikram Pachpute, Praveen Datke, and others, who expressed deep concern over the closure of Marathi schools and the associated lack of teachers and facilities. Their interventions prompted the minister's detailed responses, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to revitalize Marathi education and address infrastructural gaps.
This development underscores ongoing efforts in Maharashtra to balance linguistic preservation with modern educational demands, as the state navigates the complexities of language policy and school enrolment trends.
