In a major policy reversal that underscores the power of regional identity and civic protest, the Maharashtra government has officially withdrawn its decision to make Hindi the default third language in primary schools. The contentious move, rooted in the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), faced severe backlash from political parties, cultural figures, and the general public.
Decision Reversed Ahead of Monsoon Session
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking before the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, announced the withdrawal of two key Government Resolutions (GRs) dated April 16 and June 17, which aimed to introduce Hindi as a mandatory third language in Classes 1 to 5.
Instead, the state has decided to adopt a wait-and-watch approach. Fadnavis announced the formation of a new expert committee headed by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, a noted economist, educationist, and former Rajya Sabha MP. This committee will:
- Recommend the grade level at which new languages should be introduced.
- Evaluate implementation frameworks suitable for Maharashtra’s diverse linguistic landscape.
- Suggest student choice models that balance national policy with local identity.
Rising Political Heat and Public Outcry
The policy U-turn came in response to sustained protests from opposition parties, especially the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). These parties accused the central government and its allies in the state of attempting to impose Hindi under the guise of NEP compliance, thereby undermining Maharashtra’s regional languages and cultural autonomy.
Public anger was further fueled when eminent Marathi authors and poets returned awards in protest, citing language imposition as a threat to cultural integrity. Social media campaigns and grassroots mobilizations brought the issue into public discourse, forcing the government to rethink its stance.
Language, Identity, and Education: A Delicate Balance
The three-language policy under NEP is designed to promote multilingualism in India’s diverse education system. However, its uniform application across states has sparked debates. Critics argue that mandating Hindi as a third language in non-Hindi-speaking regions like Maharashtra violates the spirit of federalism and linguistic diversity.
Educators and psychologists also raised concerns about the cognitive load on young students, warning that too many compulsory languages at the primary level can hinder learning outcomes and alienate students from their mother tongue.
Committee's Mandate and Next Steps
The Jadhav Committee is expected to engage with:
- Linguistic experts
- Educators and teachers' associations
- Parent groups
- Political stakeholders
Its report will determine whether Hindi — or any language — can be introduced at the foundational level without compromising local linguistic traditions. Until the report is complete and reviewed, no new language implementation will proceed in schools.
Broader Implications
Maharashtra’s reversal marks a significant moment in India’s language politics. It sends a strong message about the importance of consultative policymaking, especially in culturally sensitive areas like education. It also reflects growing resistance to centralized mandates that may not align with regional aspirations.
As states continue to grapple with NEP’s ambitious goals, the Maharashtra case could set a precedent for other non-Hindi states reconsidering how best to uphold India’s multilingual fabric without eroding regional identities.
