The Maharashtra government has made Marathi a compulsory subject for students from Classes 1 to 10 across all schools in the state, regardless of the education board they follow. The decision applies to schools affiliated with state boards, CBSE, ICSE, IB, Cambridge and other educational boards operating in Maharashtra.
School Education Minister Dada Bhuse announced that strict action will be taken against institutions that fail to comply with the rule, signalling the government’s determination to enforce Marathi language education uniformly across the state.
Marathi Mandatory Across All School Boards
The latest directive reinforces provisions of the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in All Schools Act, 2020. Under the law, Marathi must be taught as a compulsory subject from Class 1 to Class 10 in every school operating within Maharashtra, irrespective of the medium of instruction.
The government says the move is intended to preserve and promote Marathi language and culture while ensuring that students studying in the state gain proficiency in the regional language.
Schools Face Penalties for Non-Compliance
Authorities have warned that schools that fail to implement the Marathi teaching mandate may face severe consequences. These include financial penalties of up to ₹1 lakh and, in extreme cases, cancellation of school recognition.
The Education Department has also indicated that inspection drives will be conducted to verify compliance across schools and educational institutions.
What This Means for Students
For most students studying in Maharashtra, Marathi is already part of the curriculum. However, the new enforcement measures will particularly impact schools affiliated with national and international boards where implementation has been inconsistent.
Students will now be required to study Marathi as a subject throughout their schooling up to Class 10. Schools may need to recruit additional Marathi teachers, revise timetables and ensure examinations are conducted according to government guidelines.
Debate Around Language Policy Continues
The decision comes amid broader discussions on language education and the implementation of multilingual policies in schools. Supporters argue that learning Marathi helps students connect with local culture and society, while critics have raised concerns about the academic burden on students studying multiple languages.
Despite differing views, the Maharashtra government has made it clear that the Marathi language requirement will remain mandatory for all schools operating within the state.
Government Signals Strict Enforcement
By making Marathi compulsory across all educational boards and warning schools of penalties for violations, the Maharashtra government has signalled a tougher approach towards language policy enforcement. The move is expected to affect thousands of schools and millions of students across the state in the coming academic years.
Summary
Maharashtra has made Marathi a compulsory subject for Classes 1 to 10 in all schools, including CBSE, ICSE and international boards. Schools that fail to comply may face fines of up to ₹1 lakh and even loss of recognition. The government says the move aims to preserve Marathi language and culture while ensuring all students in the state learn the regional language.
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