A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra over the state government's updated Government Resolution (GR) regarding the teaching of Hindi as a third language in schools. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the move as part of the National Education Policy (NEP), the Congress party has accused the BJP-led government of betraying the Marathi-speaking population and pushing a “Hindi imposition agenda” through the backdoor.
Addressing the media, Fadnavis clarified that while the original plan had proposed making Hindi compulsory as the third language, the revised GR now allows students to choose any Indian language, provided there are at least 20 students opting for it.
“Under the NEP’s three-language formula, the mother tongue is mandatory. Apart from that, two additional languages must be taught — one of which should be an Indian language. Since Hindi teachers are readily available, it was initially chosen, but now, students can opt for any Indian language,” Fadnavis said.
He emphasised that this move strengthens regional languages like Marathi, especially in higher education. “Today, engineering, medicine, and MBA courses are being offered in Marathi. NEP has paved the way for Marathi to become a language of knowledge and economy,” he added.
Fadnavis also confirmed his conversation with MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has opposed the inclusion of a third language. “I tried to explain that NEP is not a BJP's policy, but a national education framework developed after years of expert consultation and legal vetting,” Fadnavis said, referring to similar challenges in Tamil Nadu that were dismissed by courts.
However, Raj Thackrey later issued a letter and questioned Fadanvis to show where the NEP mentioned to teach Hindi as a third language?
Dada Bhuse: Hindi Helps in Higher Education
Supporting Fadnavis, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse stated that Hindi is commonly used in daily communication and could aid students in their higher studies. He also issued a warning to schools that are failing to teach Marathi, calling for strict enforcement of the curriculum.
Congress Hits Back
However, the Congress party has reacted sharply, accusing the government of deceiving the public. Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged that the GR is a “calculated attempt” to enforce Hindi while giving a false appearance of choice.
“Devendra Fadnavis has once again stabbed the heart of the Marathi people. The GR says Hindi is the default third language unless 20 students opt for another language. This is nothing but a forced imposition of Hindi in disguise,” Sapkal said.
He went further, calling the policy part of a broader BJP-RSS agenda of “One Nation, One Language, One Culture.” He accused the BJP, CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar of being loyal not to Maharashtra but to the central leadership in Delhi.
“They are executing a deliberate plan to erase Marathi identity. While they speak of Balasaheb Thackeray, the Education Ministry under Shinde has betrayed his legacy. Ajit Pawar, obsessed with power, couldn’t care less about Marathi people or their culture,” Sapkal charged.
