The Maharashtra government has announced that Marathi will be a compulsory subject for students from Classes 1 to 10 in all schools across the state, irrespective of the education board or medium of instruction. The decision applies to schools affiliated with state, national, and international boards, and the government has warned that institutions failing to comply could face strict action, including fines and possible cancellation of recognition.
School Education Minister Dada Bhuse said the move is aimed at ensuring uniform implementation of the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Act, 2020, while preserving the state's linguistic and cultural heritage.
Marathi to Be Mandatory in Every School
According to the state government, every school operating in Maharashtra must teach Marathi from Class 1 to Class 10 and conduct examinations in the subject as required under the existing law. The directive applies regardless of whether the school follows the Maharashtra State Board, CBSE, ICSE, IB, Cambridge, or any other curriculum.
The education department has also directed schools to appoint qualified Marathi teachers wherever necessary to ensure effective implementation of the policy.
Statewide Inspections to Monitor Compliance
To ensure that schools follow the new directive, the School Education Department will conduct inspection drives across the state.
Officials will verify whether schools are teaching Marathi in accordance with the legal requirements. Institutions found violating the rules may first receive directions to rectify deficiencies. Continued non-compliance could result in financial penalties and, in serious cases, withdrawal of school recognition.
Why the Government Took This Step
The issue was discussed during proceedings in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly after several legislators expressed concern that some schools were not fully implementing the Marathi language policy despite existing legal provisions.
Members argued that previous enforcement measures had not produced the desired results, prompting the government to strengthen compliance through stricter monitoring and administrative action.
Promoting Language and Cultural Heritage
The government said the objective extends beyond language instruction. Officials believe compulsory Marathi education will help students develop a deeper understanding of Maharashtra's history, literature, traditions, and cultural identity.
According to the Education Minister, strengthening Marathi education is part of a broader effort to preserve the state's linguistic heritage while ensuring that students studying under different education boards remain connected to the local language.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The government has made it clear that the directive will be enforced strictly.
Schools that fail to implement the provisions may face:
- Directions to immediately correct violations.
- Monetary penalties of up to ₹1 lakh in applicable cases.
- Cancellation of school recognition for continued non-compliance.
- Regular inspections by education authorities to monitor implementation.
What It Means for Schools and Students
The decision reinforces Marathi's status as a compulsory subject for students studying in Maharashtra, regardless of the board they follow. Schools will now be expected to ensure that qualified teachers, prescribed curriculum, and examinations are available for Marathi from Classes 1 to 10.
The state government believes the move will strengthen language learning while preserving Maharashtra's cultural identity. At the same time, schools have been advised to complete any remaining compliance measures before inspection drives begin.
