Maharashtra Govt Withdraws Hindi Language GRs Amid Protests; New Committee to Review Policy

The Maharashtra government has officially withdrawn two controversial government resolutions (GRs) that mandated the inclusion of Hindi as a compulsory third language from Class I in Marathi and English medium schools. The decision came after intense political backlash and widespread protests in Mumbai and other parts of the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the rollback on Sunday, stating that the move was taken to avoid unnecessary controversy and politicisation of the education system. “There was a lot of misinformation and confusion. We have decided to cancel both GRs. No new circular will be issued without wide-ranging consultations,” he said.

Maharashtra Withdraws Hindi GRs, Forms New Language Panel

Background and Controversy

The now-withdrawn GRs, issued on April 12 and June 17, were part of Maharashtra’s effort to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages a three-language formula. The policy had triggered sharp criticism from various political quarters, with Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray accusing the government of imposing Hindi and compromising Marathi linguistic identity.

On Saturday, opposition parties staged symbolic protests, including burning copies of the GR at Azad Maidan. The pressure continued to build, leading the government to act swiftly to prevent further unrest.

Political Reactions and Victory Marches

Following the rollback, leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS called off their planned protest march scheduled for July 5, instead converting it into a “victory rally.” Ajit Pawar, another Deputy Chief Minister, thanked opposition leaders for cooperating and announced the formation of a new expert committee to reassess the language policy.

Formation of New Expert Panel

To prevent future policy missteps, the government has constituted a new panel chaired by economist and educationist Narendra Jadhav. The committee will include language and education experts and is expected to submit its report within three months. Its mandate is to recommend a comprehensive and inclusive language policy that respects both NEP 2020 guidelines and Maharashtra’s cultural identity.

Clarifications by the CM

CM Fadnavis clarified that there was never an intention to dilute the importance of Marathi. “The third language under NEP is not compulsory unless chosen by the school and students. We will ensure that Marathi remains the primary medium in our schools,” he said.

Conclusion:

The Maharashtra government’s quick reversal underlines the power of public opinion and the sensitivity surrounding language policies in a culturally rich state. With a new expert-led approach in place, the state aims to strike a balance between national educational goals and regional linguistic pride.