Maharashtra Withdraws GRs on Hindi in Schools, Sets Up Committee for Language Policy Review

Mumbai, June 29, 2025 — Facing sharp opposition over introducing Hindi from classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra schools, the state cabinet on Sunday withdrew two government resolutions (GRs) tied to the three-language policy.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing a press conference on the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature, announced a committee under educationist Narendra Jadhav to chart the path forward. The panel has been given three months to submit its report.

Fadnavis alleged it was former CM Uddhav Thackeray who originally accepted recommendations from the Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar committee to implement a three-language formula across classes 1 to 12.

“The state cabinet has decided to withdraw the GRs issued in April and June regarding the implementation of the three-language policy from class one. A committee headed by Narendra Jadhav will recommend how to implement the three-language formula,” Fadnavis said.

He emphasized that any future decision would be taken based on Jadhav’s report, which will study the Mashelkar committee’s findings and advise from which grade the policy should start.

The Fadnavis government had issued a GR on April 16, making Hindi compulsory as the third language for classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. Following backlash, an amended GR on June 17 made Hindi optional.

The Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and NCP (SP) criticized the move, calling it an “imposition” of Hindi in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis acknowledged differences over which grade should mark the policy’s rollout, asserting the changes were made in students’ interests, as learning three languages could earn them credit in the academic bank.

He revealed that the Thackeray-led MVA government had itself set up a subgroup to examine the Mashelkar report, which recommended teaching Marathi, English, and Hindi from classes 1 to 12.

Fadnavis accused Uddhav Thackeray of politicizing the issue, alleging the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader was now opposing Hindi to favor English.

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS had planned a joint protest march for July 5 against the policy, which was called off after the withdrawal of the GRs.

Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde were present at the briefing. Pawar appealed to Marathi speakers not to join the planned protest, while Shinde said the government’s actions were driven by students’ interests.

Fadnavis also quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to justify the inclusion of Hindi, citing Ambedkar’s view that knowledge of Hindi was essential to true Indian identity.