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Maharashtra enforces Marathi teaching in schools with ₹1 lakh fine for non-compliance

The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution enforcing the compulsory teaching of Marathi from classes 1 to 10 in all schools, as per the 2020 Act. Schools found violating the mandate will first receive a notice and must submit an explanation within 15 days, or face a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. The school will also be directed to introduce Marathi compulsorily from the next academic year, with non-compliance potentially leading to the cancellation of the school's recognition. An advocate has called for further clarity, suggesting Marathi be made a 100-mark board exam paper to ensure schools prioritize it.

Key Points: Maharashtra mandates Marathi in schools, fines up to ₹1 lakh

  • Marathi compulsory from class 1-10
  • ₹1 lakh fine for non-compliance
  • School recognition can be cancelled
  • Appeal process within 30 days
2 min read

Maha govt mandates Marathi teaching in classes 1-10; non-compliant schools face Rs 1 lakh fine

Maharashtra government makes Marathi compulsory for classes 1-10. Schools violating the rule face a ₹1 lakh fine and potential recognition cancellation.

"This move will help ensure effective teaching of the Marathi language in all schools across the state. - School Education Department"

Mumbai, April 18

The Maharashtra government has decided to take strict action against schools that fail to comply with the rule mandating the teaching of Marathi as a compulsory subject from Classes 1 to 10. To enforce this, the School Education Department has laid out a detailed procedure and issued a Government Resolution in this regard.

The GR underlines that Marathi has been a mandatory subject in all schools across the state since the 2020-21 academic year. This requirement was introduced following the enactment of the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language Act, 2020.

Schools found violating the rules will first be issued a notice, and it will be mandatory for them to submit an explanation within 15 days. If a satisfactory response is not received, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh will be imposed on the concerned school management. Additionally, the school will be directed to introduce Marathi as a compulsory subject from the next academic year.

Furthermore, the school concerned will be given an opportunity to appeal against the decision within 30 days. If the order is not complied with even after the appeal, steps will be taken to cancel the school's recognition. The final decision in such cases will be taken within three months after a hearing at the level of the School Education Commissioner. The department stated that this move will help ensure effective teaching of the Marathi language in all schools across the state.

Deepak Pawar, founder of the Marathi Abhyas Kendra and a leading advocate for Marathi-medium education, has called on the government to clarify the language's status as a first, second, or third language. Pawar argued that the current grading system, which sees many schools teaching Marathi for only 50 marks, undermines its importance. He proposed that Marathi be made a mandatory 100-mark paper in Board exams to ensure schools prioritise it, warning that a lack of clear management could lead to significant curricular confusion.

Earlier, Marathi was a compulsory subject up to class 8 in schools run by the Central Board of Secondary Education and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, a private board which conducts the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education examination.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While promoting Marathi is good, the government must also address the practical concerns raised by Deepak Pawar. Is it a first or second language? Adding another 100-mark subject increases student burden. Need a balanced approach that values Marathi without overloading kids.
A
Aman W
I support this. In a diverse country like India, knowing the local language is essential for integration. My kids go to an ICSE school in Pune and learning Marathi has helped them connect with their friends and the city's heritage. It's more than just a subject.
S
Sarah B
As a parent in Mumbai, I'm a bit concerned. My child already learns Hindi, English, and a third language. Where is the time? The policy is well-intentioned but the implementation and clarity on grading (50 vs 100 marks) is crucial. Don't make it a token subject.
V
Vikram M
Good move by the govt. Language is the soul of a culture. But the threat of cancelling recognition seems very harsh. Schools, especially smaller ones, might struggle with resources and trained teachers. The government should first help with training and materials, then penalize.
K
Kriti O
Finally! This was long overdue. So many CBSE/ICSE schools treat Marathi as an optional or low-priority subject. Making it compulsory till class 10 ensures students gain proper proficiency. Jai Maharashtra! 🚩

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