The Maharashtra government has withdrawn its controversial three-language policy for primary schools following mounting public pressure and political backlash over alleged attempts to impose Hindi. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision on June 29, 2025, just days before the state legislature’s monsoon session.
The now-scrapped policy, introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP), mandated the teaching of Hindi as a third language along with Marathi and English from Classes 1 to 5. The move sparked protests across the state, with opposition parties including Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and NCP (SP) accusing the government of undermining the state’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Led by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, protestors organised rallies and symbolic acts like burning government resolutions at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. A proposed joint protest march was later cancelled following the government’s announcement to reverse the policy.
Defending the original policy, Fadnavis noted it was based on recommendations made by the Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar committee — a report accepted during Uddhav Thackeray’s own tenure as Chief Minister. However, he stressed that the government remains committed to a “Marathi-centric and student-centric” approach to education.
To address concerns and chart a future course, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a new committee headed by noted educationist Dr. Narendra Jadhav. The panel will consult stakeholders and submit its recommendations within three months, including which grade level would be most suitable for introducing a third language and what alternatives can be offered to students.
The state’s Language Advisory Committee had earlier criticised the policy, arguing that early compulsory Hindi instruction lacked academic justification and could marginalise Marathi. Even after a June 17 amendment made Hindi optional, the opposition remained unsatisfied.
Leaders from the opposition hailed the policy rollback as a victory for the “Marathi manoos.” Uddhav Thackeray credited public resistance for forcing the withdrawal, while Raj Thackeray urged the government to treat the decision as final and avoid future confusion.