Marathi First, But Three Languages Now Mandatory: Maharashtra's New Education Policy Sparks Debate
Maharashtra’s new education policy mandates a three-language system from Class 1, requiring Marathi, English, and now Hindi. While the government calls it inclusive, critics argue it threatens regional identity and imposes Hindi. The move has sparked intense debate over cultural preservation versus national integration.
Mrudula Narale
Pune, April 21, 2025: The Maharashtra government’s decision to implement a three-language system in schools has ignited a heated debate, with critics calling it unnecessary interference while supporters argue it promotes multilingual learning.
What’s Changing?
Under the revised National Education Policy (NEP), students from Class 1 onwards will now have to study three languages—two of which must be Indian. While Marathi remains compulsory, Hindi has been introduced as a mandatory third language alongside English, raising concerns about linguistic imposition.
Opposition Cries Foul
Critics argue that forcing Hindi—a language predominantly spoken in North India—undermines Marathi’s cultural significance. Some political leaders have warned of resistance, calling the move an attack on regional identity. Others question why English, a foreign language, is widely accepted while Indian languages like Hindi face backlash.
Government Clarifies: “No Replacement, Just Expansion”
State officials insist that Marathi’s importance remains unchanged, and the policy only broadens language options. They highlight that learning multiple Indian languages fosters national unity while equipping students with diverse communication skills.
Implementation Timeline
The curriculum, designed by state education bodies, aims to balance regional pride with a modern, inclusive approach.
