Amid mounting criticism over alleged “Hindi imposition,” the Maharashtra government has revoked two Government Resolutions (GRs) related to the three-language policy in schools. The move comes just ahead of the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly and follows protests led by opposition parties.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Sunday that a high-level committee headed by educationist Dr Narendra Jadhav will be constituted to examine the future course of the three-language policy. The panel will assess the appropriate standard for implementation, methods of execution, and language options to be offered to students.
“Until the committee submits its report, both GRs issued on April 16 and June 17 stand cancelled,” Fadnavis said following a Cabinet meeting.
The GR issued on April 16 had made Hindi a compulsory third language for students of Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. A subsequent resolution issued on June 17 described Hindi as “generally” the third language, although not mandatory. The latter sparked fresh controversy, reigniting the long-standing debate around linguistic imposition in non-Hindi-speaking states.
The policy decisions drew sharp reactions from the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). On the eve of the legislative session, Fadnavis reiterated that Marathi would continue to be the state government’s priority, and took aim at political opponents, accusing them of double standards.
He alleged that former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had previously accepted the recommendations of the Dr Raghunath Mashelkar committee, which proposed the implementation of the three-language policy from Class 1 to 12. Fadnavis also questioned MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s current stance, stating that he was absent during earlier policy decisions and should instead question Uddhav Thackeray’s shift in position since joining the Opposition.
Fadnavis further remarked that Dr B.R. Ambedkar had encouraged learning Hindi and emphasized unity through language.
The announcement to withdraw the GRs came just hours after a Shiv Sena (UBT)-led demonstration in Mumbai, where party workers burned copies of the June 17 resolution. Uddhav Thackeray clarified that the protest was not against the Hindi language, but against its forced imposition. The planned July 5 protest, where both Thackeray cousins were set to share a platform, has now been cancelled.
The committee led by Dr Jadhav has sought three months to present its recommendations to the state government.
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