Maharashtra Reverses Mandatory Hindi in Schools

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-04-24 07:59:05 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-21 05:21:06

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Will Hindi be compulsory in Maharashtra schools? Confusion arose following a government resolution mandating the language, sparking concerns about language imposition. However, State School Education Minister Dada Bhuse clarified on Wednesday that the resolution will be withdrawn and a new one issued soon, assuring that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 does not promote language imposition.

The initial government resolution caused a stir, particularly given the sensitivity surrounding language issues in India. Many interpreted the mandate as a move towards Hindi imposition, a concern frequently raised in non-Hindi speaking states. Critics argued that making Hindi mandatory could disadvantage students whose primary language isn't Hindi and undermine the promotion of regional languages. The NEP 2020, while emphasizing multilingualism, has often faced criticism for its perceived bias towards Hindi. Bhuse's announcement comes as a direct response to these anxieties, aiming to clarify the state's position on the matter.

Bhuse's statement emphasized that the government's intention was never to impose Hindi. He reiterated the state's commitment to the principles of NEP 2020, which he stated promotes multilingualism and respects linguistic diversity. He explained that the withdrawn resolution was a misinterpretation of the policy and that the upcoming revised version would accurately reflect the NEP's intentions. The minister's clarification seeks to reassure the public and stakeholders in the education sector that the government respects all languages and will ensure no student is disadvantaged based on their linguistic background.

The prompt withdrawal of the resolution and the promise of a revised version indicate the government's responsiveness to public concern. This incident underscores the importance of clear communication and careful policy implementation, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like language. The controversy surrounding the resolution has also reignited the debate about the balance between promoting multilingualism and ensuring equitable access to education for all students, irrespective of their language.

The Maharashtra government's decision to retract the mandatory Hindi resolution signifies a crucial step towards alleviating concerns regarding language imposition. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of language policy in a diverse country like India and the need for continuous dialogue to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all. The focus now shifts to the forthcoming revised resolution, which is expected to clarify the state's language policy in schools and align it with the principles of multilingualism enshrined in the NEP 2020.

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