State Government Revises Decision on Hindi Language in Schools; Hindi to Be Optional as Third Language

In a significant policy reversal, the state government has withdrawn its earlier decision to make Hindi a compulsory subject from Class 1 in Marathi medium schools. The latest government directive now makes Hindi compulsory only as a third language for Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools, while also allowing flexibility for students who wish to opt for another Indian language.

According to the revised decision, Hindi will be offered as the third language in all Marathi and English medium schools across the state. However, students will also have the freedom to choose another Indian language—such as Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu, or others—as their third language instead of Hindi.

To accommodate such preferences, schools will provide teachers for alternative languages if a minimum of 20 students express interest. If fewer than 20 students opt for a specific language, it will be taught through online classes, ensuring access to language learning resources for all.

The government resolution also reiterates that Marathi will remain a compulsory subject across all schools, regardless of their medium of instruction—ensuring uniformity in language policy and preservation of the regional language.

The government’s earlier move to impose mandatory Hindi instruction from Class 1 in Marathi schools had triggered widespread opposition, with educators, parents, and linguistic organizations voicing strong concerns over regional autonomy and language imposition.

The revised policy appears to be a response to this backlash, aiming to strike a balance between promoting national integration through Hindi and preserving linguistic diversity and student choice.

Education department officials are expected to issue detailed guidelines soon for schools to begin implementation in the upcoming academic session.