Maharashtra Cancels 3-Language Policy Resolution Amid Hindi Imposition Charge

The Maharashtra government has cancelled two resolutions on the three-language policy for schools, at a time political parties have strongly criticised the government's attempt at "Hindi imposition" in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that a panel will deliberate on the policy's future.

After a state Cabinet meeting, Mr Fadnavis announced, "We have decided that a committee will be formed under the leadership of educationist Dr Narendra Jadhav to determine from which standard the languages should be implemented, how the implementation should take place, and what choices should be given to students. Based on the report submitted by this committee, the state government will make a final decision on the implementation of the three-language policy. Until then, both the Government Resolutions issued on April 16 and June 17 have been cancelled."

The June 17 GR stated that Hindi "generally" the third language, and not mandatory, for Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. It came after the Fadnavis government had issued a GR on April 16, making Hindi a compulsory third language for students in classes 1 to 5 studying in English and Marathi medium schools. The second GR reopened the 'Hindi imposition' row, which refers to claims by non-Hindi-speaking states - that Hindi is being forced on non-native speakers to the detriment of their languages.

Both GRs were criticised by the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and NCP (SP).

Speaking on the eve of the Maharashtra Assembly's monsoon session, Mr Fadnavis maintained that the government's focus will remain on Marathi. He also hit out at Uddhav Thackeray for protesting against Hindi but accepting English. He alleged that as chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had accepted the recommendations of the Dr Raghunath Mashelkar committee to introduce a three-language policy from class 1 to 12 and set up a committee on the policy implementation.

Mr Fadnavis also aimed at MNS chief Raj Thackeray. "Raj Thackeray was nowhere in the picture at that time. He should ask Uddhav why his stand changed when his party joined the Opposition," he said. He added that Babasaheb Ambedkar wanted everyone to learn the Hindi language.

The announcement to cancel the GRs comes hours after a Shiv Sena (UBT)-led protest in Mumbai and across the state where copies of the June 17 resolution were burned. Uddhav Thackeray had said that he does not oppose Hindi but just its imposition.

As civic polls near in Mumbai, the language row saw estranged Thackeray brothers - Uddhav and Raj - come together to announce a July 5 protest on the issue. The protest now stands cancelled.

The Chief Minister added that the Dr Jadhav-led panel has sought three months to come up with a conclusion.