In a firm push to enforce its language policy, the Maharashtra government has announced strict action against schools that fail to make Marathi a compulsory subject from Classes 1 to 10.
The School Education Department has issued a detailed Government Resolution (GR), warning of penalties ranging from heavy fines to cancellation of recognition for non-compliance.The GR reiterates that Marathi has been mandatory across all schools in the state since the 2020–21 academic year under the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language Act, 2020. However, with several institutions reportedly falling short of full implementation, authorities have now tightened enforcement.
Under the revised guidelines, defaulting schools will first be issued a notice and must respond within 15 days. If their explanation is deemed unsatisfactory, a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh may be imposed. Schools will also be directed to introduce Marathi as a compulsory subject from the next academic session without delay.Further action includes a 30-day window for appeal. Continued non-compliance even after the appeal process could result in cancellation of recognition, with the final decision to be taken within three months following a hearing before the School Education Commissioner.
Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring uniform and effective teaching of Marathi across all education boards in the state.The policy, however, has sparked debate among education experts. Deepak Pawar, founder of Marathi Abhyas Kendra, has called for clarity on whether Marathi should be classified as a first, second, or third language. He also criticised the current evaluation pattern in some schools, where the subject carries only 50 marks, arguing that this undermines its importance. Pawar has suggested making Marathi a 100-mark compulsory paper in board examinations to ensure stricter implementation.
The issue has gained further attention recently. Earlier this week, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that from May 1, taxi and autorickshaw drivers across Maharashtra will have to clear oral and written Marathi proficiency tests, with non-compliance potentially leading to licence cancellation—a move that has already triggered protests from drivers’ unions.
As per the GR, Divisional Deputy Directors of Education will serve as nodal authorities for enforcement. With defined timelines, penalties, and accountability measures, the government has signalled a zero-tolerance stance on violations.
While the decision reinforces the state’s efforts to strengthen the role of Marathi in education, it also raises important questions around implementation, academic structure, and stakeholder response.
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