Hindi as Third Language: Maharashtra Sees Growing Community Feedback

A new language rule in Maharashtra schools is causing quite a stir. Parents and students are coming together to sign petition boards and voice their concerns, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is leading the charge against the state’s decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in primary classes.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Across Maharashtra, parents and students are signing petitions to show they’re unhappy with the government’s order to introduce Hindi as a third language for Classes 1 to 5. Many say they’re worried this could sideline Marathi and add more pressure on young kids.

 

Raj Thackeray and the MNS have been especially vocal. They’re urging schools, teachers, and parents to stand up against the policy. Thackeray points out that students already learn Marathi and English, and questions why Hindi is being pushed when other states don’t have similar rules.

 

MNS leaders have started a letter campaign, personally delivering messages to school principals and encouraging them to resist the mandate. Some school heads say they feel caught in the middle, concerned about both the academic load and the lack of input from the school community.

 

Critics argue that the government is moving ahead without enough consultation. They worry this could create unnecessary language conflicts and hurt the status of Marathi in schools.

 

The government says Hindi will be the default third language, but students can opt for another Indian language if enough of them make the request. Marathi will still be compulsory for everyone.

 

With protests and petition drives growing, this debate about language and identity in Maharashtra doesn’t look like it’ll end anytime soon.

 

Source: Mid-Day, Free Press Journal, Financial Express, The Print