Maharashtra Reverses Three-Language Policy: A Relief for Students Amid Hindi Imposition Controversy

The scrapping of the three-language policy in Maharashtra has significant implications for students, particularly those preparing for exams in multiple languages or affected by linguistic education policies.

1. Background and Policy Reversal

• The original three-language policy mandated Hindi as the compulsory third language alongside Marathi and English for Classes 1 to 5, as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation.
• This policy faced intense backlash, especially from opposition parties like Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and NCP, who perceived it as a threat to Marathi identity and cultural heritage.
• The government issued two Government Resolutions (GRs) in April and June 2025 enforcing Hindi as the third language but canceled these on June 29, 2025, due to widespread protests and opposition, calling for a reassessment committee chaired by Dr. Narendra Jadhav.

2. Implications for Students

• The initial imposition of Hindi created educational challenges for students unfamiliar with the language, potentially affecting academic performance in other subjects without adequate support measures in place.
• Students preparing for exams had to cope with an additional linguistic burden, which may have impacted their learning experience and outcomes.
• The policy’s rollback introduces uncertainty for students and schools, especially those who were already adjusting to the new language requirements.
• Any transitional arrangements for students transferring from other boards or states remain unclear, raising concerns about academic continuity and equitable language learning opportunities.

3. Future Directions

• The formation of a committee to review the policy suggests a more consultative and region-sensitive approach, emphasizing Marathi as central to the state’s linguistic identity.
• This reconsideration could lead to a more flexible language policy, potentially allowing students and schools to choose languages reflective of local cultural and linguistic contexts, aligning with the NEP 2020’s flexibility intentions.
• For students, this means potential relief from a mandatory Hindi third language and possibly a curriculum more attuned to their linguistic background and needs.

4. Broader Context

• The NEP 2020’s three-language framework aims to promote multilingualism, cognitive development, and social cohesion but allows states to adapt the languages based on their regional context.
• Maharashtra’s experience highlights the challenge of balancing national educational reforms with regional linguistic sensitivities and the importance of stakeholder engagement in policy implementation.

In summary, the immediate impact on students includes disruption and adjustment challenges due to policy reversal, but the government’s move to form a committee indicates a more inclusive, culturally sensitive language policy in the future, potentially easing linguistic burdens on students and better supporting their educational outcomes.