Issue order stating only Marathi and English will be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray tells Maharashtra govt

Mumbai: The issue involving the New Education Policy (NEP) making Hindi as a third language which will be mandatory for students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools in Maharashtra was reignited on Wednesday yet again.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday asked the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maha Yuti-NDA dispensation why the government has not withdrawn the order despite an assurance.

Raj has shot off a letter to School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, who belongs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

In his letter, Thackeray referred to the state government’s recent announcement, which proposed the introduction of three languages from the first grade, including Hindi as a compulsory third language. However, following public backlash and opposition, the government later clarified that Hindi would no longer be mandatory.

“Despite this clarification, no formal government resolution or written directive has been issued, resulting in confusion. The printing of Hindi textbooks has already commenced based on the earlier three-language decision,” Raj said and cautioned that the government should stand by the public assurance on this issue.

Raj urged the School Education Department to issue a clear and official written order stating that only Marathi and English will be taught from Grade 1 onwards.

Raj also pointed out that several other Indian states have adopted a two-language pattern.