Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has made the teaching of Marathi compulsory in all schools across the state. According to the newly issued directive, Marathi will now be a mandatory subject for students from Classes 1 to 10. Private schools have also been instructed to ensure that students learn Marathi as part of the curriculum. Schools repeatedly violating the rule will face strict action, including a penalty of Rs 1 lakh and possible cancellation of recognition. The move is aimed at strengthening the position of the Marathi language in the education system and ensuring that students across different educational boards gain basic knowledge and understanding of the state language.
The government has also made it compulsory for schools to appoint qualified teachers to teach Marathi. Officials from the education department will carry out physical inspections after schools reopen to verify whether the rules are being properly implemented. Authorities stated that every school in Maharashtra must ensure students receive adequate Marathi language education. Education Inspector Sanjay Javir said the decision is important for preserving and promoting the Marathi language and culture. He added that all schools have already been informed about the new regulations and are expected to comply strictly. The inspections will help ensure proper enforcement of the policy across the state.
Welcoming the government’s decision, Ananda Hoval, president of the Indian Social Organisation, said many private schools often function arbitrarily and fail to follow language-related guidelines seriously. He stressed that while the government’s move is commendable, local education officers must ensure strict and effective implementation at the ground level. The new rule will apply to schools of all managements, mediums, and educational boards operating in Maharashtra. Officials said the regulation will also cover all private English-medium institutions. In the district alone, around 195 private English schools fall under the scope of the order and will be required to follow the Marathi teaching mandate.