No Compulsion to Learn Hindi in Maharashtra But Marathi Becomes Mandatory in All Schools: Maharashtra’s Education Department has clarified its new language policy: schools can’t force students to study Hindi, but they must teach Marathi mandatorily across all mediums. This move reinforces the state’s commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage while respecting each student’s right to choose. (No Compulsion to Learn Hindi in Maharashtra But Marathi Becomes Mandatory in All Schools)
Under the updated policy, both Marathi-medium and English-medium schools must include Marathi as a mandatory subject. The decision reflects concerns that urban, English-medium students risk losing touch with their mother tongue and cultural roots.
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Education Minister emphasized, “We respect students’ language choices. However, including Marathi supports cultural identity and enhances social cohesion.” This balanced approach aims to equip students with a firm grasp of Maharashtra’s official language without pressuring them into studying Hindi.
School principals and teachers welcomed the policy. They noted that students already take regional languages alongside English, and adding Marathi feels natural. Marathi teachers are excited to participate and appreciate that their subjects gain institutional support and recognition.
Many parents expressed positive feedback, mentioning that Marathi classes help children connect with home and extended family, especially in an increasingly globalized environment. Students, too, appear motivated some report that learning Marathi helps them better appreciate Maharashtra’s festivals, literature, and local history.
Education officials have begun training programs for teachers to boost instruction quality. Schools will receive ready-to-use Marathi teaching kits, including storybooks, grammar guides, and multimedia content. This support aims to ensure engaging and effective lessons throughout the academic year.
Although the state removed compulsory Hindi, schools can still offer it as an elective. Students interested in Hindi can choose it, while others may explore languages like Sanskrit, French, or regional tribal languages. The policy encourages multilingual exposure while maintaining clear boundaries around mandatory instruction.
With the new rules in place, Maharashtra takes a major step in promoting linguistic diversity. Students now have the freedom to decide their language paths, all while staying anchored in their state’s linguistic legacy. As this policy rolls out in classrooms, the aim remains clear: empower students, preserve Marathi, and foster cultural pride without limiting personal choice.
