Maharashtra Makes Marathi Compulsory for Classes 1–10 in All Schools
In a significant move to strengthen the regional language, the Maharashtra government has announced that Marathi will now be a mandatory subject for students from Class 1 through Class 10 across every school in the state. The decision was revealed by School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse during the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. He also issued a clear warning that any institution failing to comply with the new directive will face stringent consequences.
Strict Action Against Non-Compliant Schools
Minister Bhuse confirmed that official instructions have already been circulated to all schools regarding the compulsory teaching of Marathi. He emphasized that the government will not tolerate negligence in this matter, and schools found violating the mandate will be dealt with firmly. The announcement came in response to a question raised by BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar, who expressed concern that several schools across the state have not been adhering to the existing language norms and have been neglecting the compulsory teaching of Marathi.
During the assembly discussion, multiple legislators pointed out that the penalties currently imposed on schools for breaking the rules are far too lenient to act as a deterrent. They argued that the existing regulations are not being enforced effectively, allowing many institutions to bypass the language requirement without facing meaningful repercussions.
Government’s Commitment to Marathi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy
Addressing these concerns, Bhuse reiterated the state government’s unwavering dedication to the preservation, promotion, and expansion of the Marathi language. He announced that a special inspection drive will be launched statewide to review whether all schools are genuinely implementing the compulsory Marathi education policy. The minister made it clear that if any violations are detected during these inspections, strict action will be taken not only against the schools but also against the responsible officials.
Beyond language instruction, Bhuse also highlighted the government’s efforts to enrich school curricula with the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He noted that the coverage of the legendary Maratha ruler’s life and contributions has been significantly expanded in textbooks. Previously, other education boards’ books devoted only about a column and a half to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Now, with the approval of the central government, this content has been substantially increased to a comprehensive 22-page section, enabling students to gain a deeper and more thorough understanding of his legacy and impact on Indian history.
The minister reiterated that the state government remains fully committed to ensuring that students not only learn the Marathi language but also develop a strong awareness of the glorious heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Context: CBSE’s New Language Policy
This decision by the Maharashtra government comes at a time when the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced plans to gradually implement a three-language formula in schools nationwide. However, CBSE has clarified that the new language policy will not apply to students currently in Class 10. Additionally, students presently studying in Classes 7, 8, and 9 will not be required to appear for a third language paper in their Class 10 board examinations.
Under the revised CBSE framework, students who have already opted for two foreign languages will now be required to additionally study an Indian language alongside them. The board has also assured educational institutions that all necessary study materials for the new arrangement will be provided in a timely manner to ensure a smooth transition.
Maharashtra’s proactive stance on making Marathi compulsory underscores the state’s broader cultural and educational priorities. By enforcing strict compliance measures and enhancing historical content in school books, the government aims to foster a stronger connection among young students to their regional language and heritage. The inspection campaign and the threat of severe penalties signal that the authorities are serious about implementation, not just on paper. As schools prepare to align with these new rules, the focus remains on preserving linguistic identity while ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that includes both language proficiency and historical awareness.
