Marathi mandatory in all schools of Maharashtra, action will be taken against violators: Education Minister

Mumbai, March 13. Marathi language has been made compulsory in schools of all mediums and all management boards in Maharashtra. State Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse informed the Assembly on Friday that a notification in this regard has been implemented. He further said that strict action will be taken against schools violating this rule.

Marathi cannot be removed from the curriculum under any circumstances

Responding to a question raised by member Haroon Khan on the issue, Education Minister Bhuse said that as per the notification dated March 1, 2020, Marathi is mandatory in all schools, irrespective of the medium of instruction or the board of management. He clarified that even in schools following international or national curriculum, it is mandatory to teach Marathi as a ‘second language’ or ‘third language’. Marathi cannot be removed under any circumstances.

Following a special complaint by MLA Haroon Khan, the minister announced that the education department would immediately inspect the school concerned. He further said that if Marathi is not being taught then necessary action will be taken after making the management aware of the legal requirements. This rule applies to government, private, non-government and all foreign board schools.

In case of continuous violation the recognition of the school will be canceled

The minister said that since Marathi is the official language of the state, the government will not make any compromise in ensuring that the new generation learns it. Institutions that do not follow the rules will be given a warning first, and in case of continuous violation, the recognition of the school will be cancelled.

Meanwhile, Bhuse announced that the process is underway to bring legislation for mandatory portal registration, regulation and quality assurance of private pre-primary schools to ensure quality and safe pre-primary education for children aged three to six years.

Member Manisha Chaudhary raised the issue of mandatory portal registration for private pre-primary schools. With the aim of providing a centralized database for the state, district administration and parents, registration on the ‘Pre-School Registration Portal’ was made mandatory through a government circular dated April 24, 2025.

According to the minister, schools are expected to provide details related to location, number of classes, management, student strength, infrastructure, playground, cleanliness, drinking water, CCTV and staff.