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Mumbai: Amid growing confusion and backlash over its earlier decision, the Maharashtra government has now released another resolution stating that Hindi will not be a “compulsory” subject from Class 1 in state board schools. Instead, it will be treated as a “general” third language in Marathi and English medium schools, according to the government resolution (GR) issued late on Tuesday.

The latest directive, issued by the Department of School Education and Sports, modifies the language policy announced in April this year. It states, “In schools following the Marathi and English medium, Hindi shall generally be the third language from Class 1 to 5 as per the State Curriculum Framework 2024. However, if students wish to study another Indian language in place of Hindi, they will be permitted to do so.”

To opt for an alternative Indian language, the GR mandates that at least 20 students in a class must express interest. “If 20 or more students opt for a language other than Hindi, a teacher will be made available. Otherwise, the language shall be taught online,” it adds. This provision has irked several educators, who argue that in 80 % schools in rural areas finding 20 students in a class itself will be difficult if not impossible. This is imposing Hindi through the backdoor, they added.

The government clarification comes after widespread concern among parents and educationists, who felt the initial language policy—presented as making Hindi compulsory from Class 1—was being implemented without adequate consultation or clarity. On April 16, the government had issued a GR which made Hindi compulsory from Class 1. However, after outrage, School Education Minister, Dadaji Bhuse, had publicly clarified on April 22 that the directive will not be implemented. Earlier last month, Bhuse had once again reassured that the “three-language policy is on hold”.

The government, in the latest GR, also reiterated that Marathi will remain a compulsory subject in all schools, irrespective of the medium of instruction. For schools using mediums other than Marathi and English, students from Class 1 to 5 will continue to learn three languages: the medium of instruction, Marathi, and English. The language policy for Classes 6 to 10 will follow the existing State Curriculum Framework.