Maharashtra’s decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language for levels 1 to 5 was announced on April 17, requiring Hindi to be taught along with Marathi and English.
Laxmikant Deshmukh, chairman of the Language Advisory Committee applied by the Maharashtra government, told Hindu on Monday that the decision of the Maharashtra government to make Hindi a mandatory third language at levels 1 to 5 was a violation of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Mr Deshmukh said the group opposed the state government’s grounds on education, culture and actual implementation. He said that this move is neither conducive to the psychological growth of children nor to the insufficient infrastructure of actual education in schools.
The committee has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, suggesting the decision to be revoked.
As part of NEP 2020, Maharashtra’s decision was announced on April 17 and requires Hindi to be taught along with Marathi and English.
However, Mr Deshmukh said the NEP did not speak third language until the child was 11 years old. “According to NEP, there are only two languages – R1 [the language employed as the medium of instruction and for initial literacy attainment. Ideally, the mother tongue or regional language that is most familiar to students] and R2 [any other language, including English or a foreign language] – Until the child is 11 years old. However, their early drafts did not receive public consultation and comment, but did not. ” said Mr. Deshmukh.
Laxmikant Deshmukh, Chairman of Language Advisory Committee appointed by the Maharashtra Government | Photo source: Ashish
Established after five years of consultation, NEP 2020 replaced the previous education policy in 1986, he noted that, where possible, the medium of teaching for students in public and private schools will be at least at least Level 5, but preferably up to Level 8 and above, but will be in the home language or native or local language or local language. Thereafter, where possible, the family or local language should continue to be taught as a language. NEP 2020 introduces the three-language formula, encouraging students to learn R1, R2, and R3 (third language). While it encourages the use of native/native languages until at least level 5 (preferably beyond), it is not limited to R1 and R2. The state and school boards have the flexibility to choose the language to be provided, but the three-language formula remains the overall framework.
“if you [the government] Already accepted NEP, how do you bypass it? Mr Deshmukh said, adding that the introduction of a third language during secondary school was based on the recommendations of the Khosari Board of Education in 1968.
“I don’t know why we suddenly became Hindi. Are the people of the country asking for it? In fact, as some groups refuse to learn Marathi, there have been protests in the state. In other countries, only one language is multilingual. We learn two languages in junior high school. But three languages are busy for such a young child,” he said. ”
“We were shocked when the state government issued an order to declare Hindi as a mandatory third language. Why didn’t we consult?” he said.
“We don’t object to Hindi”
“Look at Tamil Nadu. They have spent the most on education in the past three years. Much more than what Maharashtra spends… Tamil Nadu says no to Hindi. They have only two languages there. But they are ahead in everything. But we are not against Hindi. We are learning this language. But the three-point we have to learn.
The Maharashtra Language Advisory Committee is composed of 27 members and officials from the government department.
He said there are several reasons for opposing the move. In the age group of 6-11 years old, it is not conducive to learning a third language if you look at your child’s listening ability. We lack meritorious teachers and good infrastructure. The annual status report for education states that even in Level 8, 30% of students are unable to read courses in their native language. At least 53% of people cannot read English correctly. We have stopped hiring teachers. Mr. Deshmukh said.
He added that the cultural reasons against Hindi were caused by reluctance to speak Marathi. He added: “We are fighting for the formation of Maharashtra on a language basis. However, those who came from ‘outside’ insulting the Maharashtrians refused to speak Marathi.”
publishing – April 22, 2025 at 01:17 am
