Pune: Maharashtra Government Softens Stand On Compulsory Hindi In Schools; CM Assures Flexibility In Language Policy Under NEP

Pune, 21st April 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified on Sunday (20th April) that the state has not enforced Hindi over Marathi in schools, amid growing criticism and concerns of “Hindi imposition.” He stated that students would be given the option to choose a second Indian language in place of Hindi, and a decision in this regard will be made soon.

Speaking at an event organized by the Bharatiya Vikas Parishad, Fadnavis addressed questions from the media about the language advisory committee’s recommendation to roll back the mandatory Hindi requirement. “It cannot be said that Hindi is being imposed. The compulsory language in Maharashtra is Marathi,” he said.

He explained that under the new national education policy, students are required to learn three languages—two Indian languages and English. While the committee of ministers recommended Hindi as the second Indian language, he emphasized that this was based on the availability of qualified teachers for the subject.

“If students wish to study a language other than Hindi—such as Malayalam, Tamil, or Gujarati—they will be given the opportunity to do so,” Fadnavis added. “However, a minimum of 20 students is required to appoint a teacher for that language. If fewer students opt for it, alternate methods for language instruction will be explored.”

Fadnavis also took a subtle dig at the growing preference for English, questioning why Hindi—a major Indian language—feels distant when English is so readily accepted.