Debate Heats Up Over Hindi Imposition in Maharashtra Schools

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has voiced strong opposition to the imposition of Hindi as a compulsory language in schools across Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters, Thackeray emphasized that while Hindi is widely spoken, it should not be elevated above Marathi, a language steeped in history with over 3,000 years of heritage.

The state government's directive to make Hindi a mandatory third language from classes 1 to 5 incited backlash from regional political factions, including the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT). In response to the criticism, the government has retracted its orders on the implementation of the three-language policy.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has now instituted a committee, led by educationist Narendra Jadhav, to deliberate on the state's language policy. This comes amid heated debates on the cultural and historical precedence of Marathi over Hindi.

(With inputs from agencies.)