A major controversy has erupted in Maharashtra over the proposal to teach Hindi as a third language in schools. The issue has sparked widespread protests, with slogans such as “We will not allow Hindi to be taught” and “We will break the boards” raised by certain political parties and local organizations opposing the move.
In response, State Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has issued a strong clarification, stating that there is no compulsion to learn or teach Hindi in schools across the state.
“There is no compulsion to teach Hindi anywhere in Maharashtra. No one will be forced to learn the language,” Patil stated during a press briefing. “There is no need to politicize every issue. The government is not mandating Hindi as a third language. Those who wish to learn it, may do so voluntarily.”
Urging restraint and democratic sensibility, Patil added, “In a democracy, every citizen has the right to education and language. If someone wants to learn a language, they should not be prevented from doing so. Protests such as ‘We will not let them teach’ or ‘We will break the boards’ are not only inappropriate but also undemocratic.”
He further appealed to the public to avoid spreading misinformation and emphasized that no subject is being imposed forcefully.
Although tensions remain high in certain regions, the Education Minister’s statement is expected to ease the ongoing unrest and bring clarity to the government’s stand on the matter.