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Fadnavis Declares Marathi Sole Mandatory Language in Maharashtra Schools

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that Marathi remains the only mandatory language in Maharashtra's school education system. He stated that no other Indian language will be compulsory, though they may be offered as optional subjects, with a committee led by Dr. Narendra Jadhav to determine appropriate introduction grades. The announcement comes after political opposition to earlier proposals introducing Hindi as a third language. Fadnavis emphasized Marathi's classical status and cultural significance while advocating respect for both native and foreign languages.

Key Points: Marathi Mandatory in Maharashtra Schools, Says CM Fadnavis

  • Marathi mandatory in schools
  • Hindi optional, not compulsory
  • Committee to decide language introduction grade
  • Classical status for Marathi recognized
3 min read

Only Marathi mandatory in Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM clarifies only Marathi is compulsory in schools, addressing language row. Hindi optional, committee to decide on introduction grade.

"Marathi is not just a medium of communication; it is the soul of Maharashtra. - CM Devendra Fadnavis"

Satara, Jan 2

Amid the ongoing election process for the 29 municipal corporations, the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday clarified that in Maharashtra, only and strictly Marathi is mandatory.

He further noted that the tendency to oppose Indian languages while rolling out the red carpet for foreign languages is not right.

He explained that Marathi will remain the only mandatory language in school education within the state.

"No other Indian language will be compulsory; they will remain optional. The decision regarding the grade from which other languages should be introduced will be taken after receiving the report from the committee chaired by Dr Narendra Jadhav. Marathi is not just a medium of communication; it is the soul of Maharashtra," said Fadnavis while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (All India Marathi Literary Meet).

His clarification comes when the Shiv Sena UBT, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, founded by Raj Thackeray, joined hands in July last year, opposing the state government's move to introduce Hindi as a third language in addition to Marathi and English from grade one.

In the wake of strong protests, the government withdrew its two government resolutions in this regard, saying that Hindi is an optional while Marathi is compulsory in the state.

The Chief Minister said that Marathi has always been a classical language, adding that the Narendra Modi government has provided it with Classical Language Status for Marathi.

"Now, we must work to ensure this language gains public acceptance across all of India," he added.

He added that "while we welcome foreign languages like English, French, and German, we tend to oppose Indian languages. This approach is incorrect; while we must respect our own mother tongue, we should also remain open to welcoming other languages."

He credited the Warkari sect and Saint literature for truly enriching Marathi literature.

"Marathi is a language that connects hearts. It is not just a language of devotion but a language of values," he remarked, adding that the role of writers is to provide direction to society and protect democratic expression within the literary world.

The Chief Minister stated that literature that remains loyal to the soil of Maharashtra while centring history, society, and humanity is the true identity of Marathi letters.

He reminded the audience that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gave Marathi its administrative status by creating the Rajyavyavahar Kosh (Administrative Lexicon).

He emphasised that the government is committed to the conservation of the Marathi language.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good decision by CM Fadnavis. Every state should prioritize its regional language. But his point about opposing Indian languages is valid. Why do we sometimes treat Hindi or Tamil with suspicion but are eager to learn French? We need to respect all Bharatiya bhashas.
A
Aman W
I live in Mumbai and my mother tongue is Gujarati. I have no problem with Marathi being mandatory. It's the language of the state I live in. But the implementation must be smooth and the teaching quality good. Forcing a language without good teachers will backfire.
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective. Coming from a country with mostly one language, I can see the value in preserving regional cultures. The balance CM mentions is key – protecting Marathi while being open to others. The classical language status is a proud achievement.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while I understand the sentiment, this feels a bit politically timed with the municipal elections. The earlier push for Hindi caused unnecessary tension. Clarity is good, but policy on language should be stable and not change with political winds. Jai Maharashtra!
M
Meera T
Marathi is indeed a beautiful and rich language. Giving it its due importance in schools is correct. My children learn it and enjoy it. As long as English and other options remain for broader opportunities, I'm all for it. 👏

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