Maharashtra Withdraws Three-Language Policy GRs Amid Hindi Row; CM Fadnavis Orders Review Panel
Maharashtra Withdraws Three-Language Policy GRs Amid Hindi Row; CM Fadnavis Orders Review Panel
In a significant move amidst growing controversy over the imposition of Hindi, the Maharashtra government has officially cancelled the government resolutions (GRs) linked to the three-language policy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement on Sunday, stating that the decision was taken in response to concerns raised by the state’s Language Advisory Committee.
The now-scrapped GRs, based on the recommendations of the Mashelkar Committee, had proposed the implementation of a three-language formula from Class 1 onwards. The formula included Marathi, English, and a third language — commonly Hindi in many schools. These GRs had previously been approved under the tenure of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
However, backlash from language activists and regional political parties over early Hindi imposition prompted a re-evaluation. On June 27, the Language Advisory Committee — a body responsible for advising the government on policies concerning the Marathi language — unanimously passed a resolution demanding that no third language, including Hindi, should be introduced before Class 5.
Responding to the resolution, CM Fadnavis clarified that a new expert committee will be formed to examine the appropriate approach to language education in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the government is committed to promoting Marathi and respecting the cultural and linguistic sentiments of the people.
“The previous decision to implement a three-language formula from Class 1 was based on expert recommendations, but we will now revisit the policy to ensure it aligns with the aspirations of the state,” Fadnavis said.
The move is being seen as a balancing act to address regional linguistic sensitivities while keeping national educational frameworks in consideration.
