'Hindi as third language' no longer mandatory in Maharashtra schools
Students can now opt for other Indian languages
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has withdrawn its earlier mandate making Hindi a compulsory third language in primary schools. In a revised Government Resolution (GR) issued on Tuesday, students in Classes 1 to 5 studying in Marathi and English-medium schools will now have the option to choose another Indian language instead of Hindi, provided certain conditions are met.
According to the new guidelines from the state school education department, if at least 20 students in a class opt for a language other than Hindi, the school will appoint a dedicated teacher for that subject. If the number falls below 20, the alternative language will be offered through online instruction.
The corrigendum, referring to the State Curriculum Framework – School Education 2024, specifies: “Hindi will generally be the third language from Class 1 to 5. However, students who wish to study a different Indian language shall be permitted to do so.” This move is being seen as a shift towards linguistic inclusivity while retaining the core curriculum structure.
For schools with mediums of instruction other than Marathi or English, the three-language formula will include the medium language, Marathi (which remains mandatory), and English.
The revised policy follows widespread protests and political opposition that emerged after the initial order was issued earlier this year. Parties such as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had criticized the move as an imposition of Hindi, leading to street-level agitations and demands for withdrawal.
The matter was taken up by the state’s language consultation committee, which recommended revoking the mandatory Hindi clause. Education Minister Dada Bhuse had subsequently announced a temporary hold on the decision and promised a review.
The new resolution formalises that review and offers schools and students flexibility while keeping Marathi compulsory across all formats. For students in Classes 6 to 10, the language structure will remain as per the existing curriculum framework.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
