Three-Language Twist: Maharashtra Mandates Hindi in Schools, Sparks Political Row

Maharashtra’s school education department has mandated Hindi as a compulsory third language for Classes 1-5 in Marathi and English-medium schools under the NEP 2020 rollout, replacing the two-language system. The phased implementation begins with Class 1 in 2025-26, extending to all grades by 2028-29. Key details: Curriculum overhaul: Adopts the 5+3+3+4 structure, with foundational (pre-primary to Class 2), preparatory (Classes 3-5), middle (6-8), and secondary (9-12) stages Teacher training: Targets 80% of educators to be skilled in digital tools and NEP-aligned methods by 2025. Opposition backlash: MNS chief Raj Thackeray condemned it as “Hindi-fying Maharashtra,” while Congress called it an “imposition” The move aims to align with national standards but faces resistance over linguistic identity concerns. Source: Indian Express, NDTV, Deccan Herald