Maharashtra's Language Mandate Faces Heated Opposition

The Narendra Jadhav Committee is set to present its findings on Maharashtra's controversial three-language policy to the state government within the coming three months, as stipulated by a Government Resolution from the Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department. The government has pledged to soon appoint committee members to facilitate this review process.

This committee will critically analyze the report of the Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar committee and engage with relevant institutions and stakeholders. The evaluation will include a comparison with other States and Union Territories that have implemented the National Education Policy 2020. Debate sparked in April when Maharashtra passed a resolution making Hindi a mandatory third language in Marathi and English-medium schools.

Following public backlash, the government amended the policy in June, stipulating that Hindi will remain the third language, with options for alternatives given the interest of at least 20 students. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis affirmed that any final decision would be reached through discussions with experts and stakeholders, leading to the cancellation of previous resolutions and the establishment of the new Jadhav-led committee.

Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders openly protested the three-language policy outside the Legislative Assembly, decrying it as unacceptable. The protests have unified various political parties despite differing political positions. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray declared the cancellation of the GR as a victory, warning of potential unrest if the policy had remained. Thackeray also announced plans for a victory rally while noting that some opposition members might join their coalition. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)