In a pivotal decision aimed at reshaping linguistic education, the Maharashtra government has announced that Hindi will become a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5, starting from the academic session of 2025–26. This move, outlined in a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the state's school education department, marks a significant expansion of the existing three-language formula.
Until now, the three-language formula was predominantly applied at the secondary education level. However, under the newly adopted State Curriculum Framework, both Marathi-medium and English-medium schools will now integrate Hindi into their curriculum right from the foundational stage of primary education.
For schools using languages other than Marathi or English as the medium of instruction, students will be required to learn Marathi and English, while their primary medium of instruction will serve as the third language. This restructuring aims to foster a multilingual environment and enhance linguistic proficiency among students across the state.
The implementation of this policy aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which Maharashtra has begun phasing in with a comprehensive four-phase approach. Starting with Class 1 in the upcoming academic year, the NEP introduces a new educational structure termed as 5+3+3+4, focusing on different developmental stages:
Foundation Stage (Ages 3 to 8): Emphasizing early childhood education.
Preparatory Stage (Classes 3 to 5): Introducing foundational learning in various subjects.
Pre-Secondary Stage (Classes 6 to 8): Preparing students for secondary education.
Secondary Stage (Classes 9 to 12): Covering higher education levels.
"This new policy restructures the previous 10+2+3 system into a more flexible format, ensuring education is aligned with global standards and developmental goals," noted Deputy Secretary Tushar Mahajan from the state education department.
The shift towards a multilingual approach in primary education is expected to promote cultural integration and linguistic diversity while equipping students with essential language skills. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has underscored the state's commitment to this educational reform, highlighting its alignment with the principles of access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability in education.
To facilitate the phased rollout of the policy, the Maharashtra government has formed several committees, including a State Steering Committee led by the Minister of School Education. These committees will oversee the smooth implementation of the NEP across schools statewide.
As Maharashtra prepares to embark on this educational transformation, the introduction of Hindi as a compulsory third language in primary education reflects a concerted effort to enhance educational standards and prepare students for a globally interconnected world.
Leave Your Comment