Maharashtra Shelves Hindi Mandate

By Sulagna Halder

Mumbai, 5 July 2025:

The controversial government resolutions (GRs) that attempted to mandate Hindi instruction in schools for students in Classes I through V have been formally retracted by the Maharashtra government. After intense criticism from educators, political parties, and local organisations, the decision, which was made public late on June 30, represents a major reversal. 

There were strong objections to cabinet decisions in April and June to make Hindi the third required language. The early imposition of Hindi, according to linguists and education experts, placed an excessive burden on students, who would then have to learn four languages: Hindi, English, Marathi, and frequently a regional dialect. The opposition, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the Shiv Sena (UBT), and civil society organisations, called for the resolutions to be revoked.

Education experts, such as former deputy director Bhau Gawande and Shripad Bhalchandra Joshi, applauded the action but urged more open and transparent policymaking in the future. Gawande warned against frequent policy flip flops, while Joshi emphasised the need for wider representation. Raj Thackeray electrified sentiment by calling the decision a "victory for Marathi sentiments," while MNS leaders, including Sharad Bhandarkar, referred to the withdrawal as a triumph of Marathi pride. To commemorate the GRs' revocation, a joyous rally was planned. In response, youth groups spontaneously demonstrated their cultural solidarity by performing joyful dances and singing "Marathi bolla" on local trains.

To avoid confusion, some advocates, however, remained dubious and demanded an official cancellation notice. They cautioned that reimplementation of the GRs cannot be completely ruled out in the absence of formal notification. In the state assembly, the GRs had also come under heavy fire. Despite his defense of the original policy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis finally agreed to its repeal. Sanjay Raut, the leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), criticised the government for disrespecting Marathi and called for it to take the language seriously, calling meetings on the subject "insults" to the state's linguistic identity.

Demands for a more open position on future language policy have been sparked by the reversal. Insisting that curriculum development be based on consensus rather than being imposed, education experts and language activists now seek formal inclusion in discussions surrounding the state's three language formula. 

The government of Maharashtra must quickly create a language policy that strikes an equal balance between regional identity, educational effectiveness, and national integrity now that GRs have been repealed and new consultations have been promised.