Hindi Not Compulsory in Maharashtra; Students Can Choose Third Language if 20 or More Opt In: Minister

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, on Wednesday, tried to assuage rising fears when he said that Hindi had not been made a mandatory third language in Marathi and English medium schools for classes 1 to 5.

This clarification came amidst widespread criticism following a government resolution (GR) a day ago by the School Education Department.

Bhuse pointed out that the order, which comes into force from the 2025–26 academic year, does not make Hindi a compulsory third language. "The same GR specifically states that students are free to opt for any other Indian language instead of Hindi, if not less than 20 students from the same class choose the alternative," he clarified.

If the student numbers for the alternative language cover the cut-off, the school will employ appropriate teachers. If qualified teachers are not available, Bhuse explained that the language would be taught using online resources.

This declaration came after backlash from a circular released in April, which was broadly understood to mandate Hindi for primary students in non-Hindi medium schools. In response to the protests, the minister had previously assured a policy revision, claiming that Hindi would be voluntary.

Bhuse reasserted that Marathi will remain a mandatory subject in all schools, regardless of the medium of instruction. He threatened that any institution that does not adhere to this requirement could suffer drastic consequences, including the revocation of official recognition.

Even as the government gives these assurances, education specialists are not convinced. Some feel that the new policy can lead to de facto imposition of Hindi as well. "If less than 20 children opt for another Indian language, schools will be forced to fall back on Hindi," commented a representative of teachers' association.

The Congress opposition party has sharply attacked the state government led by BJP, charging it with an attempt to promote Hindi in the name of providing language choice. Maharashtra Congress party chief Harshwardhan Sapkal attacked the initiative as devious.

"Fadnavis has stabbed Maharashtra in the heart once again," Sapkal said, further adding, "The so-called cancellation of imposition of Hindi is a sham. The policy guarantees that unless 20 students opt for another language, Hindi becomes the third language by default. That makes the concept of choice irrelevant."

Sapkal also blamed the BJP for threatening Marathi language and culture. "This is part of a well-planned design to weaken our linguistic identity. The Shinde-Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar group is more devoted to Delhi than Maharashtra."

He also attacked the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena that controls the School Education Department. "They use Balasaheb Thackeray's name but have betrayed his legacy. They've actually inked a deal to kill Marathi," he claimed.

Punching holes in the argument of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sapkal added: "His lust for power is more than a concern for Maharashtra or its people. All he desires is to continue with the finance ministry. The vision of the Sangh-BJP for 'one nation, one language, one culture' is a direct assault on our state — and we will not relent."