Final decision on Three Language Formula only after talking to all concerned, Says CM Fadnavis

With increasing opposition from opposition parties and civil society organisations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday stated that a decision whether Hindi is to be made the third language in Marathi and English medium schools (Classes 1–5) from the 2025–26 academic year will only be taken after meeting with all concerned stakeholders.

The decision was made in a top-level meeting convened by the CM and attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, and top officials from the School Education Department.

A detailed discussion was also there on three-language formula. It was decided that all states' points of view would be put forth, and attempts will be made to ensure that Marathi students are not placed in a disadvantageous position under new National Education Policy's Academic Bank of Credit system. Alternative options will also be put forward to stakeholders in detail," said a government release after the meeting.

CM Fadnavis stressed that "a consultation process will be initiated involving literary figures, Marathi language scholars, political leaders, and other concerned parties." He further stated that "no final decision will be made until this dialogue is completed," tasking School Education Minister Bhuse to undertake the next phase of consultations.

The clarification by the government comes against the backdrop of intense opposition from parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), both of which threatened the administration with what they called the "imposition" of Hindi in state schools. The MNS, under the leadership of Raj Thackeray, has already started state-wide protests against the decision.

Political pundits are of the view that Fadnavis' move to wait is a result of the increasing mood in favor of Marathi identity, which both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are likely to take advantage of in the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections—a crucial battleground for the BJP-led MahaYuti alliance, which is out to sweep the polls after its victory in the just-concluded assembly elections.

There has also been opposition to the policy among education experts, teachers' associations, and noted Marathi film and theatre personalities. They see the elevation of Hindi at the expense of regional languages as downgrading Marathi, particularly after the Centre awarded it Classical Language status recently.

The state government last week released a new Government Resolution (GR), which did not mention the word "mandatory" but continued to suggest Hindi as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools for classes 1 to 5. Under the GR, students can also choose another Indian language instead of Hindi—offered at schools at least where 20 students in one grade of a school make a request. Marathi continues to be compulsory in all schools.

For schools with non-English and non-Marathi mediums, the revised curriculum now also requires the medium of instruction, Marathi, and English from Classes 1 to 5. For Classes 6 to 10, the current State Curriculum Framework will be applicable.

CM Fadnavis has stood up for the state's stand, citing its basis that three-language formula is part of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a countrywide policy to be adopted by all states.

School Education Minister Bhuse reinforced the CM’s stance, reiterating that Hindi is not compulsory, and that Marathi’s compulsory status remains intact. He warned that action will be taken against schools that fail to implement Marathi as required.

Nonetheless, opposition parties have hit out at the government, accusing it of pushing a “pro-Hindi” agenda at the cost of regional identity.

NCP (Sharad Pawar group) leader Sharad Pawar stated, "No one should despise Hindi as a language, but one should not impose it."

Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena-UBT chief, repeated the same sentiments: "We don't have a problem with Hindi, but why is Hindi being imposed on our children? We will not let anyone impose Hindi on us."

MNS president Raj Thackeray took the argument a step further, asking what the logic behind the move was. "Even Gujarat has not made Hindi compulsory in its schools. Why should we?" he asked.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshvardhan Sapkal vigorously opposed the decision, alleging that CM Fadnavis had "stabbed Maharashtra and Marathi in the heart."

"This is all part of the BJP's anti-Marathi agenda. It's a conspiracy to wipe out the Marathi language, identity, and pride," Sapkal alleged.