Marathi is Mandatory for Classes 1 to 10 in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has decided to make the Marathi language mandatory in all schools across the state for classes 1 through 10. Education Minister Dada Bhuse stated that all schools, whether government, private, or affiliated with various education boards, must comply with this directive.

Strict administrative action will be taken against any school that fails to apply mandatory Marathi education. The state government has taken this step with the aim of preserving and promoting the Marathi language and enhancing its importance among future generations.

During the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Education Minister Dada Bhuse announced that the teaching of the Marathi language would be mandatory in all schools across the state for classes 1 through 10. This directive applies not only to state board schools but also to schools affiliated with various other education boards. The government has already issued the necessary instructions to the concerned authorities.

The Minister has clearly said that strict action will be taken against any educational institution that defies this directive.

A special inspection drive will also be conducted across the state. Through this drive, authorities will verify whether the Marathi language is being taught as a mandatory subject in various schools. The government has also announced that administrative and legal measures will be taken against institutions found violating the rules.

Dada Bhuse stated that the Maharashtra government is fully committed to the preservation, development, and promotion of the Marathi language. According to the government, it is essential to emphasise Marathi education right from the school level to promote respect for the mother tongue and strengthen students' cultural identity.

The Minister said that the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been incorporated into school textbooks in greater detail.

While many textbooks previously contained only brief information about his life and contributions, this content has now been significantly expanded. Through the new curriculum, students will be able to learn more extensively about Shivaji Maharaj's history, leadership, and contributions to society.

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly. He proposed that mandatory Marathi education has not yet been implemented in some schools across the state. He also expressed the view that the penalties for violating current regulations are not stringent enough. In response, the Education Minister said that stricter measures would be taken later to enforce the rules.

This decision comes at a time when the CBSE has announced plans to implement the three-language policy across the country in a phased manner. The new language policy will not be mandatory for current Class 10 students. Furthermore, students in Classes 7, 8, and 9 will not be required to take board examinations for a third language under the new rules.

The CBSE has also stated that students who are already studying two foreign languages ​​will additionally study an Indian language. Necessary learning materials for this purpose will be provided in a phased manner.

With the implementation of the new rule, all schools in Maharashtra are required to include the Marathi language in their curriculum. Students will be able to develop a better command of the local language and gain a deeper understanding of the state's history and culture. Meanwhile, school authorities must strictly stick to government guidelines, as administrative action will be taken in the event of any violation.