Maharashtra Government Revokes Mandate for Mandatory Hindi Learning
Title: Maharashtra Backs Down on Compulsory Hindi for Primary School Students
Subtitle: Government retracts decision amidst public outcry and unrealistic requirements
In a turn of events, the Maharashtra Government has succumbed to public pressure and withdrawn its controversial decision to make Hindi mandatory for students in Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools. This U-turn comes after a heated backlash due to unrealistic conditions, lack of genuine choice, and fears of cultural domination.
State Withdraws Mandatory Hindi Decision
Addressing the issue, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse confirmed that the government would not make Hindi compulsory as a third language, stating, "We are withdrawing the word 'mandatory' Hindi language (from the government resolution) and a fresh GR would be issued in this matter."
This move follows the recommendations of the Maharashtra government's language consultation committee urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to revoke the decision. Committee chairperson Laxmikant Deshmukh had written a letter to Fadnavis, expressing concerns over the government's imposition of Hindi.
Optional Learning of Hindi
Minister Bhuse clarified that students who are interested in learning Hindi still have the option to do so. The upcoming government order will clarify that the third language in Marathi and English medium schools will be optional.
Public Response
The Mumbai-based MNS party's chief, Raj Thackeray, welcomed the government's decision, expressing gratitude and praising the party's initiative that led to the withdrawal of the mandate.
Underlying Issues
Critics argued that the move was a covert attempt to impose Hindi, despite there being no genuine demand for it from stakeholders. The condition for an option to learn languages other than Hindi was seen as unrealistic due to the scarcity of students meeting the 20-student threshold in most schools. Additionally, the lack of curriculum, textbooks, and teachers for non-Hindi languages had made alternatives unfeasible.
Furthermore, Marathi language groups perceived the move as a threat to Marathi language and culture in the state, fearing it would minimize Marathi's significance in education.
Lessons Learned
This episode sheds light on the complexities in implementing language policies in multilingual states like Maharashtra, where linguistic identities are deeply rooted and fiercely defended. To avoid such controversies in the future, it is crucial for the government to engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders, providing practical choices and addressing concerns before implementing such measures.
References:
- Mumbai mirror
- Hindustan Times
- The Indian Express
- Scroll
- The ongoing debate over education-and-self-development in Maharashtra highlights the need for careful consideration in policy implementation, as seen in the withdrawal of the mandate for Hindi in primary schools.
- The public outcry and concerns raised by various stakeholders, such as the language consultation committee and Marathi-language groups, have demonstrated the importance of general-news reporting and learning about the impacts of policies on diverse linguistic communities.
