In a significant rollback, the Maharashtra government has revoked two controversial resolutions (GRs) that had introduced Hindi as a compulsory third language in primary schools. This move comes just ahead of the state’s monsoon legislative session, following fierce political backlash and public protests across the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement on Sunday, confirming the cancellation of GRs issued on April 16 and June 17, which had made Hindi mandatory—and later optional—for Classes 1 to 5. A new committee headed by educationist Dr. Narendra Jadhav will now review the implementation of the three-language formula.
“We don’t want to bring politics into education. Marathi will always be our priority,” said Fadnavis, flanked by Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The April GR sparked outrage by mandating Hindi as the third language from Class 1. Though later revised to an “optional” clause, critics argued it still pushed Hindi as the default language. Opposition parties called it an “imposition of Hindi” and a “cultural invasion,” triggering statewide protests led by Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Activists even burned copies of the GRs, demanding immediate rollback. MNS Chief Raj Thackeray warned the state not to implement the language policy “through the back door.”
Political Blame Game Heats Up
Fadnavis defended his government’s intent, stating that the idea was to help Marathi-medium students gain extra credit, and said students were allowed to choose any Indian language—if 20 or more opted for an alternative.
He also lashed out at the previous MVA regime led by Uddhav Thackeray, citing the 150-page Mashelkar Committee report, which allegedly recommended both Hindi and English from Class 1.
What’s Next?
The newly formed Dr. Narendra Jadhav-led committee will:
Review which class should introduce the third language.
Decide on implementation modalities.
Recommend language options that don’t pressure non-Hindi-speaking students.
Meanwhile, the July 5 protest planned by MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) will likely keep the spotlight on regional pride and linguistic identity—a long-standing sentiment in Maharashtra politics.
