In response to growing public backlash, the Maharashtra government has rolled back its decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in primary schools. A fresh government resolution (GR) issued on June 17 now allows students in Classes 1 to 5, studying in Marathi and English-medium schools, to opt for a different Indian language instead of Hindi, subject to certain conditions.
The updated guidelines from the state school education department clarify that if 20 or more students in a class wish to study an alternative Indian language, the school will appoint a dedicated teacher for it. If fewer than 20 students opt for a different language, the subject will be taught online.
The corrigendum to the earlier resolution cites the State Curriculum Framework – School Education 2024, stating that while Hindi will generally be the third language in Marathi and English-medium schools, students who prefer another Indian language will be allowed to pursue it. This revised stance is intended to provide linguistic choice and flexibility without disrupting the curriculum’s foundational structure.
Additionally, the new GR outlines the language policy for schools with mediums other than Marathi and English. In these institutions, students will study three languages: their medium of instruction, Marathi—which remains mandatory—and English.
The move is being viewed as a significant shift in language education policy, offering students and parents more control over linguistic preferences in the foundational years of schooling.
