Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Friday that only the Marathi language will be made compulsory in the state, signalling a firm move to strengthen regional linguistic identity. He delivered the statement while addressing delegates at the 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sammelan in Satara, where authors, cultural leaders and government officials were present.
Marathi language policy and committee review
Fadnavis said a committee led by Dr Narendra Jadhav has been tasked with determining the appropriate school year from which Marathi instruction should begin. The committee, he added, was in the final stages of its work and would recommend how the state implements the three-language policy while ensuring Marathi remains central to the curriculum.
“I want to make it clear that other than Marathi, no other language was compulsory in Maharashtra,” the chief minister told the Sammelan. He said that, while the three-language policy will continue to guide decisions on additional language instruction, the state would study which other languages should be included and at what levels they should be taught.
The announcement follows remarks by Marathi Mahamandal chief Professor Milind Joshi, who said that when the Marathi language was being insulted, there was no need to praise other languages. Fadnavis said Maharashtra must use the recognition the language has already secured to promote it more widely across India.
Marathi was accorded classical language status during the previous central government, and Fadnavis noted that it had effectively already held a classical position in literary and cultural terms. He urged state and cultural institutions to take advantage of that recognition to expand Marathi literature, education and cultural outreach.
Noted author Mridula Garg inaugurated the Sammelan, and a range of dignitaries attended the event, including Sammelan president Vishwas Patil, reception committee chief Chhatrapati Shivendra Raje Bhosale, outgoing Sammelan chief Tara Bhavalkar, and Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore.
During his address the chief minister apologised for briefly taking a phone call on stage. He explained that it was election season and he was dealing with rebel candidates who required direct intervention; he said he remained attentive to the proceedings despite the interruption.
Education and language policy analysts say the move could sharpen focus on Marathi-medium instruction and bolster resources for Marathi literature and teacher training. Critics may argue the change could curtail multilingual exposure if not balanced with clear guidance on the three-language policy. Fadnavis’ reference to a committee review signals that the government aims to set out an implementation plan rather than immediately overhaul classroom practice.
As the committee finalises its recommendations, school authorities, parent groups and education experts will be watching closely for details on which grades will introduce compulsory Marathi, how other languages will be accommodated, and what training and materials will be provided to support the change.
The announcement at the 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sammelan underscores the importance Maharashtra places on its linguistic heritage, while also highlighting the practical steps the state government intends to take to formalise Marathi’s central role in schooling and cultural promotion.
Key Takeaways:
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Marathi will be the only compulsory language in the state, with other languages optional under review.
- A committee chaired by Dr Narendra Jadhav is finalising which school class will begin language instruction.
- The move aims to promote and expand Marathi after it received classical language status.
- The announcement was made at the 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sammelan, attended by literary figures and state leaders.
