Maharashtra Chief Minister Reaffirms Marathi as Compulsory School Subject
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has firmly declared that the Marathi language will continue to be a compulsory subject in schools across the state. This announcement comes directly following the submission of a crucial report by the state government's three-language policy committee.
Committee Report Submitted, Details Withheld Pending Cabinet Review
The eight-member committee, led by former Planning Commission member Dr. Narendra Jadhav, formally presented its findings to Chief Minister Fadnavis on Monday. The panel was established in June 2025 in response to significant public debate and criticism surrounding a government proposal to mandate Hindi as a compulsory third language in Marathi and English medium schools affiliated with the Maharashtra State Board.
Speaking at the foundation day celebrations of Loksatta, CM Fadnavis emphasized that propriety prevents him from disclosing the committee's specific recommendations at this preliminary stage. "It will be presented in the cabinet meeting. I will be able to speak about it only after a decision is made there," he stated, underscoring the formal governmental process.
Focus on Harmony and Effective NEP Implementation
Chief Minister Fadnavis took great care to frame the ongoing language policy discussion as one of inclusion rather than conflict. He stressed that concerted efforts have been made from the outset to ensure the issue is not portrayed as a divisive battle between languages.
"From the first day, we are taking efforts that it is not Marathi vs Hindi or Marathi vs English. Marathi is compulsory and it will remain so," Fadnavis asserted. He further highlighted the benefits of multilingualism, noting that "learning other languages is beneficial."
The Chief Minister indicated that the government's final decision on the committee's report would be guided by this perspective of linguistic harmony and the broader goal of educational excellence. "We will take a decision on this report from that perspective. We are looking at how to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) effectively," he explained, connecting the state's language policy to national educational reforms.
Background and Context of the Language Policy Review
The formation of the high-level committee last year was a direct response to widespread public and political scrutiny. The initial proposal to make Hindi compulsory had sparked intense debate about linguistic identity, cultural preservation, and educational priorities within Maharashtra.
The committee's mandate was to thoroughly examine the three-language formula and provide recommendations that balance the promotion of the state's official language, Marathi, with the practical and national benefits of Hindi and English proficiency.
With the report now submitted, the next critical step lies with the state cabinet. Ministers will review the detailed recommendations in a closed meeting before any official policy announcements are made. The government's approach, as outlined by the Chief Minister, seeks to uphold Marathi's compulsory status while strategically integrating it within a framework that supports the NEP and values additional language acquisition.
