The debate over language policy in Maharashtra schools has intensified, pitting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. The core of the dispute revolves around the implementation of the three-language formula and the role of Hindi in the curriculum, sparking concerns about the promotion of Marathi language and culture.
The Maharashtra government, under Fadnavis, initially revised its stance on the three-language policy, making Hindi a mandatory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. This decision, stemming from the Central government's New Education Policy (NEP), faced immediate backlash. The revised Government Resolution (GR) now offers flexibility, allowing students to opt for another Indian language in place of Hindi if a minimum of 20 students in a class choose to do so. Marathi remains compulsory for all schools. For non-Marathi and non-English medium institutions, the curriculum for Classes 1 to 5 will include the medium of instruction, Marathi, and English.
Raj Thackeray has emerged as a vocal opponent of what he perceives as the imposition of Hindi. He has called upon principals, parents, writers, and editors to resist this perceived attack on Marathi culture. Thackeray questioned the necessity of imposing Hindi in Maharashtra schools, especially when a state like Gujarat has not done so. He has warned of shutting down schools if the government insists on making Hindi compulsory from Classes 1 to 5. Thackeray views the promotion of Hindi as a broader political strategy to reshape the state's electoral map by creating non-Marathi-dominated zones. He urged Maharashtrians to insist on speaking in Marathi everywhere in the state and make others speak the language.
Fadnavis has defended the three-language policy, clarifying that the policy is a directive under the NEP, which is binding on all states. He stated that Raj Thackeray was not against the dual-language approach but opposed the mandatory third language clause. Fadnavis asserted that language should not be a source of discord and emphasized the importance of respecting all Indian languages alongside Marathi. He has accused the opposition of politicizing the issue and maintained that his government is committed to promoting Marathi language and culture.
The MNS chief has also criticized Fadnavis for focusing on teaching Hindi to schoolchildren while allegedly neglecting the need for migrants coming to Maharashtra for employment to learn Marathi. Thackeray has been urging his supporters to use Marathi in all public and private spaces. He has also demanded classical language status for Marathi.
The controversy has seen moments of heightened tension, including alleged assaults by MNS workers on a shopkeeper for not speaking in Marathi. Raj Thackeray has also warned against any attempts to undermine Marathi identity, asserting that those living in Maharashtra must respect the language and people or face a backlash.
