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Key Points

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has deferred a final decision on the three-language formula pending consultations with experts and political leaders. The government aims to ensure Marathi students aren’t disadvantaged under the new education policy. Earlier mandates making Hindi compulsory faced strong opposition, leading to revisions. The next phase involves broader stakeholder discussions before any policy finalization.

Key Points: Fadnavis Says Three-Language Formula Needs Stakeholder Consultations

  • Meeting held at CM’s residence with education officials
  • Decision delayed for stakeholder consultations
  • Marathi students' interests to be safeguarded
  • Revised policy faced backlash over Hindi mandate
2 min read

Final decision on three-language formula only after consulting stakeholders: Maharashtra CM

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis delays decision on three-language policy until consultations with experts, leaders, and Marathi scholars are completed.

"A final decision will be made only after this consultation process is completed. – Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, June 24

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday stated that the final decision regarding the three-language formula will be taken only after discussions with litterateurs, language experts, political leaders, and all other concerned parties.

A meeting on the issue of the three-language formula was held at the Chief Minister's official residence, Varsha, on Sunday night. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Minister of State Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, and officials from the education department were present.

After an in-depth discussion on the subject, it was decided to present the status of all states, ensure that Marathi students are not disadvantaged under the Academic Bank of Credit in the context of the new education policy, and explore other possible options. A comprehensive presentation will be made for all stakeholders. It was resolved in the meeting that this presentation and consultation process should be conducted with Marathi language scholars, litterateurs, political leaders, and all relevant parties.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis further stated that a final decision will be made only after this consultation process is completed. Hence, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse will now initiate the next phase of the consultation process.

The meeting also included Chief Minister's Secretary Srikar Pardeshi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Asimkumar Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Navin Sona, Principal Secretary of the School Education Department Ranjitsingh Deol, Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratapsingh, and Director of the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training Rahul Rekhawar.

The Maharashtra government has been criticised twice regarding its language policy. Initially, a government resolution issued on April 16 mandated Hindi as the compulsory third language in Marathi and English-medium schools.

In response to the backlash, the government revised the policy through an amended resolution, stating, "Hindi will be the third language. For those who want to learn another language, at least 20 willing students are required."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some sensible approach! Language policies shouldn't be forced without proper consultation. Maharashtra has rich linguistic diversity - Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, Konkani, tribal languages. Let students choose what benefits them most. 👍
P
Priya M.
Why this obsession with Hindi? In globalized world, students should have option to learn French/German/Japanese instead. My child in Pune school wants to learn French but now forced to take Hindi because of 20-student rule. Not fair!
A
Arjun S.
Good move by CM Fadnavis. Maharashtra has always balanced regional and national interests well. Marathi must be protected but we shouldn't isolate ourselves either. Three language formula with flexibility is the way forward.
S
Sunita P.
As a teacher from Nashik, I've seen how language politics affects classrooms. Instead of fighting over Hindi vs Marathi, we should focus on improving English proficiency - that's what gives real career opportunities to our children.
V
Vikram D.
The 20-student rule for alternative languages is impractical for rural schools. Government should consider special provisions for smaller schools. One-size-fits-all approach won't work in diverse state like Maharashtra.
N
Neha T.
Happy to see government consulting stakeholders properly this time. Last minute changes in education policy create confusion. Hope they also consider practical aspects - where will schools find qualified teachers for so many language options?

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