Maharashtra introduces Hindi as 3rd language in schools, move sparks backlash

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued an order making Hindi a “generally” taught third language for students from Class 1 to Class 5 in Marathi and English medium schools, PTI reported.

According to the amended order, if 20 students per grade in a school wish to study any other Indian language, they can opt out of Hindi. If such a demand arises, either a teacher will be appointed or the language will be taught online, the news agency quoted the order as stating.

The Maharashtra School Education Department issued the government resolution as part of implementing the “State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024”, which aligns with the 2020 National Education Policy, PTI reported.