**Maharashtra CM Fadnavis to Consult Stakeholders on Three-Language Policy**
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that a conclusive decision regarding the three-language formula will be made only after thorough consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including writers, language experts, and political figures. This statement follows a meeting held at his official residence in South Mumbai late Monday night, where key officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, were present to discuss the matter.
Recently, the state government issued an amended directive indicating that Hindi will generally be taught as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools for students from Classes 1 to 5. While the government clarified that Hindi would not be mandatory, it stipulated that a minimum of 20 students per grade must consent to study any Indian language other than Hindi.
During the meeting, CM Fadnavis emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of the three-language policy as outlined in the New Education Policy (NEP). It was agreed that a comprehensive presentation would be prepared, detailing the current educational landscape across various states and its potential impact on Marathi students.
Fadnavis stated, “A structured consultation process will be initiated with scholars, writers, political leaders, and other stakeholders before reaching a final decision.” Following this meeting, Minister Dada Bhuse is expected to lead the next phase of discussions with various stakeholders to address concerns regarding the NEP’s implementation.
Bhuse reassured reporters that the state government is committed to prioritizing students’ interests and is open to feedback from all parties involved. He mentioned that a review meeting had taken place earlier to evaluate previous decisions made under the NEP framework. “We will engage with all concerned parties, including Raj Thackeray and prominent writers, to present the facts and clarify that the policy was implemented after extensive research to ensure our students remain competitive,” he added.
Raj Thackeray, the head of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), recently criticized the government’s approach, questioning the necessity of imposing Hindi on students and urging schools to resist what he perceives as a hidden agenda to create a language divide. He argued that Hindi, being the state language of several northern states, should not be forced upon Maharashtra, where Marathi is predominantly spoken.
In conclusion, the Maharashtra government is taking a cautious approach to the three-language policy, ensuring that all voices are heard before making a final decision that affects the educational landscape of the state.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the three-language formula in Maharashtra?**
A: The three-language formula in Maharashtra involves teaching Hindi as a third language in schools, alongside Marathi and English, with the aim of promoting multilingual education while considering the preferences of students and parents.
