Hindi Made Compulsory in Maharashtra Schools: Marathi Literary Body and MNS Warn of Protests
Pune, 19th April 2025: The Maharashtra School Education Department’s recent decision to make Hindi a compulsory subject from Grade 1 in Marathi and English medium schools has sparked widespread outrage. Now, the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal (ABMSM) has joined political and educational groups in opposing the move, warning of statewide protests if the decision is not revoked.
The ABMSM, one of the state’s leading Marathi literary bodies, expressed strong displeasure over what it called the “unjust imposition of Hindi.” Prof. Milind Joshi, president of the Mahamandal, criticized the government for sidelining the Marathi Language Advisory Committee and prioritizing Hindi over regional and other Indian languages.
“It was a long struggle to ensure Marathi was made compulsory in schools. Now, the government is imposing Hindi without proper consultation. This is unacceptable,” Prof. Joshi said. He emphasized that the policy undermines the linguistic diversity of the state and could have long-term cultural implications.
Interestingly, a government-appointed steering committee had recommended allowing schools to choose a third language, instead of mandating Hindi. However, the education department chose to override the suggestion, leading to further backlash.
MNS Stages Protest Against ‘Hindi Imposition’
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has also reacted strongly. The party organized protests across the state, denouncing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s support for Hindi as a “link language.” MNS leaders warned of intensified agitation, including halting the printing of Hindi textbooks and forcibly shutting down schools that implement the directive.
“This is not about opposing Hindi; it’s about resisting its forced imposition in Maharashtra,” said a senior MNS leader. “Marathi must remain the first priority in our schools.”
As the opposition gains momentum, the state government faces growing pressure to revisit the decision. Both ABMSM and MNS have vowed to continue their protests unless the policy is rolled back.
