Maharashtra Government Scraps Controversial Three-Language Policy Amid Backlash

India News:Facing widespread protests from Marathi cultural groups, educators, and opposition parties, the Maharashtra government has withdrawn its controversial three-language policy. The policy proposed making Hindi a mandatory third language for students from classes 1 to 5, triggering fears of Hindi imposition and threats to Marathi identity. In response, the government scrapped the order and formed an expert review panel to reassess the language framework. This decision highlights the state’s effort to balance national education reforms with respect for regional linguistic sensitivities and public sentiment.

Maharashtra Government Scraps Three-Language Policy

In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has decided to scrap its proposed three-language policy, which aimed to introduce Hindi as a mandatory third language in schools from classes 1 to 5. The decision comes after intense public backlash from political parties, civil society, educators, and cultural groups across the state.

Initial Policy and Subsequent Revision

The initial Government Resolution (GR) issued in April 2025 made Hindi compulsory in addition to Marathi and English. However, due to growing criticism, a revised GR was issued in June, allowing students to opt for other Indian languages as the third language, but only if at least 20 students selected the same language. Despite the amendment, concerns over the policy's intent and implications persisted.

Accusations of Hindi Imposition

Many critics alleged that the policy was a veiled attempt to impose Hindi on a non-Hindi speaking state, which would dilute the significance of Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra. Several Marathi advocacy groups and political parties called it a direct attack on Marathi identity and culture.

Political Opposition and Public Protests

Strong opposition came from key regional parties including Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Congress, and NCP. MNS chief Raj Thackeray openly warned the government of state-wide protests if the policy was not withdrawn. Uddhav Thackeray also condemned the move, calling it a "language imposition" driven by political motives from the Centre.

Concerns from Educators and Psychologists

Educators and child psychologists also voiced their concerns, arguing that introducing a third mandatory language at the primary school level would put undue pressure on young students. They emphasized that early education should focus on conceptual clarity, not linguistic burden.

Government’s Reconsideration and Policy Revocation

The growing criticism pushed the state government, led by Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, to reconsider the policy. On June 29, 2025, the state cabinet officially revoked both the original and the revised GRs related to the three-language formula.

Formation of Expert Review Committee

To assess the matter thoroughly, the government also announced the formation of a high-level committee chaired by renowned educationist Dr. Narendra Jadhav. The panel will study the implications of the three-language policy and submit recommendations for any future framework.

Clarification on Language Requirements

Speaking on the issue, Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar clarified that Marathi and English will remain mandatory subjects in schools. The third language, if any, will be optional and not imposed on students. He added that the decision to revoke the GR was taken to remove public confusion and reassure the Marathi-speaking population.

Emphasis on Regional Sensitivities in NEP Implementation

CM Devendra Fadnavis also stated that while the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages multilingual learning, its implementation must align with regional linguistic sensitivities. "We want to adopt NEP, but not at the cost of our mother tongue or public sentiments," he said.

Public and Political Reaction

The decision to withdraw the policy has been welcomed across the political spectrum and by civil society. Many see it as a victory for Marathi pride and democratic expression. However, experts believe that the language debate in Maharashtra is far from over, especially as the state tries to balance national educational reforms with local linguistic identity.

Current Status and Future Outlook

For now, schools will continue with the two-language model — Marathi and English — while the government awaits the report of the expert committee. The controversy also serves as a reminder that language remains a deeply emotional and political issue in India, particularly in linguistically rich states like Maharashtra.