Maharashtra CM Revokes Controversial Language Policy Ahead of Legislative Session

As the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly approaches on Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has annulled the contentious trilingual policy through government resolutions (GRs) issued on April 16 and June 17. This policy had mandated the inclusion of Hindi as a third language in primary schools. The first GR made Hindi compulsory for students from grades 1 to 5, while the second made it optional. Additionally, the CM announced the formation of a committee led by Dr. Narendra Jadhav to reassess the trilingual policy for primary classes.

 

On Sunday, the CM's announcement coincided with a statewide protest by the Shiv Sena UBT, where activists burned copies of the controversial GR in opposition to the imposition of Hindi at the primary school level. Addressing reporters after a cabinet meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House, Fadnavis stated, “We had an extensive discussion on the trilingual policy in the cabinet and decided to revoke the GRs issued on April 16 and June 17, 2025. A committee led by Dr. Narendra Jadhav will determine from which grade the trilingual policy should be implemented, how it should be executed, and what options should be provided to students… Based on this committee's report, the state government will make the final decision.”

 

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis emphasized, "Our government has always prioritized Marathi and made it mandatory. Regarding Hindi, we have made it an optional third language. He also highlighted that students can choose any other Indian language as their third language if they prefer, apart from Hindi."