Maharashtra NEP Controversy: Congress Opposes Compulsory Hindi in Schools, Says ‘Don’t Undermine Marathi’
Congress Slams Government Over Hindi Mandate in Maharashtra Schools
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government’s decision to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with a new language directive has sparked a political storm. As per the plan, Hindi will be made a mandatory third language in Marathi and English-medium schools from Classes 1 to 5.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has strongly opposed this move, stating that it undermines the importance and dignity of the Marathi language. He emphasized that according to the Constitution, every state has the right to promote its own mother tongue and that Hindi should not be imposed.
“Marathi Has Its Own Legacy, Don’t Force Hindi,” Says Wadettiwar
Addressing the media, Wadettiwar said, “Hindi should be kept optional, not compulsory. Imposing it will reduce the importance of Marathi, a language that has a rich cultural and historical legacy.” He added that forcing Hindi onto Maharashtra’s school system would be an affront to its linguistic identity.
He further said, “If PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah speak only in Hindi, does that mean the entire nation must follow suit? Shouldn’t they also try to speak in Marathi when in Maharashtra? That would be a sign of true national respect and inclusivity.”
CM Devendra Fadnavis Defends NEP Implementation
In response to the backlash, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the move is part of the phased NEP rollout and not a sudden imposition. He assured that Marathi will remain compulsory and that students will also learn English and Hindi to broaden their linguistic abilities.
Fadnavis reiterated that the objective is to equip students with multilingual skills, aligning with the central government’s vision of promoting a common link language across India without diluting regional identities.
However, Congress maintains that cultural ideology is at stake and warns that such decisions could alienate local sentiments and damage Marathi pride.
