Facing intense political and public criticism, the Maharashtra government on Sunday officially withdrew its controversial government resolution on the 3-Language Policy. The move came just days after the revised order, which subtly pushed for Hindi as the default third language in Marathi and English-medium schools, sparked widespread outrage.
The revised policy, issued as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation, suggested that Hindi would “generally” be taught to students from Classes 1 to 5. While the order allowed for students to choose another Indian language if 20 or more demanded it, critics saw it as a backdoor attempt to push Hindi, igniting fears of cultural dilution.
New Committee to Reshape the 3-Language Policy
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the media after the cabinet meeting and clarified that the government is taking a step back for better clarity and inclusivity.
“In the cabinet today, we have decided that on the 3-Language Policy and how it should be implemented, a committee under Dr Narendra Jadhav will be formed,” he stated.
The newly appointed committee will consult all stakeholders, including educationists, language experts, parents, and teachers, to re-evaluate the 3-Language Policy. The state government emphasized that Marathi would remain at the heart of any future framework.
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Marathi is Central, Says Government Amid Controversy
Fadnavis reassured citizens that Marathi, the state’s official language and cultural backbone, remains non-negotiable.
“For us, the centre point is Marathi,” he said firmly.
This statement aimed to calm the uproar from linguistic groups and opposition parties, who accused the government of betraying the regional language to cater to central directives.
The government’s reversal of both previous government resolutions (GRs) shows its intent to handle the 3-Language Policy with more sensitivity and wider consultation moving forward.
Why the 3-Language Policy Became a Flashpoint?
The 3-Language Policy has always been a delicate balancing act in a multilingual nation like India. Originally envisioned to promote national unity and diversity, it became a flashpoint in Maharashtra when Hindi appeared to gain precedence over regional languages.
The idea that Hindi would be the “default” third language in most schools, unless parents and students explicitly chose otherwise, felt like a top-down imposition to many.
Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, were quick to slam the move. They accused the Mahayuti coalition of undermining the state’s identity and bowing to the Centre’s language agenda under NEP 2020.
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A Lesson in Public Sentiment and Regional Identity
The rollback of the 3-Language Policy shows that public sentiment still holds power in shaping government decisions. Language, after all, is not just a tool of communication—it is deeply tied to identity, culture, and history.
In Maharashtra, Marathi is not merely an academic subject; it is a symbol of pride. Any perception of its marginalization, even indirectly, is met with resistance. The policy episode underscores how regional aspirations must be carefully balanced with national goals.
As the committee under Dr. Narendra Jadhav begins its work, it will need to walk this tightrope, ensuring that the 3-Language Policy reflects both educational aspirations and cultural sensitivities.
What’s Next for the 3-Language Policy in Maharashtra?
With the earlier GRs withdrawn, all eyes are now on the new committee. Their recommendations will decide the future course of the 3-Language Policy in Maharashtra schools.
Some possible directions could include:
- Giving equal importance to all Indian languages with a flexible model.
- Prioritizing Marathi as the mandatory language, while offering diverse third-language options.
- Involving more regional stakeholders in shaping language education policy.
This moment also presents a chance for Maharashtra to become a model state, one that respects regional roots while embracing multilingual education.
The Maharashtra government’s swift rollback of the modified 3-Language Policy is not just about language. It’s a reminder that educational reforms must be inclusive, democratic, and mindful of local identities.
Policies that touch people’s languages touch their hearts. And when those hearts speak, even the most powerful governments must listen.
