**Maharashtra NCP Faction Opposes Hindi as Compulsory Third Language**
The Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has expressed strong opposition to the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in the state’s educational system. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the party raised concerns that this move poses a threat to Maharashtra’s linguistic identity and cultural heritage.
NCP (SP) spokesperson Nitin Deshmukh emphasized that Hindi does not have constitutional primacy, referencing significant Supreme Court rulings, including KR Sundaram vs Union of India (1986) and VK Shyam Sundar (2011) from Tamil Nadu. He argued that the mandatory inclusion of Hindi in primary education undermines the Marathi language, violating the principles of linguistic diversity outlined in Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution.
The National Education Policy (NEP) promotes education in local languages, a point highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 29, 2020. However, the NCP (SP) contends that the introduction of Hindi contradicts the NEP’s three-language formula, especially given Maharashtra’s existing bilingual education system, which primarily includes Marathi and English.
Deshmukh further stated that the NEP threatens the Maharashtra State Reorganisation Act of 1960, which established the state as a linguistic entity. He described the government’s decision as a deliberate attempt to undermine the state’s cultural and linguistic protections.
The NCP has called for the immediate withdrawal of the mandate for Hindi as a third language, the reinstatement of Marathi as the primary medium of instruction, and the involvement of educators, parents, and linguists in shaping educational policies to safeguard Maharashtra’s cultural identity. Deshmukh urged the authorities to address these concerns and make decisions that align with constitutional principles and linguistic diversity.
The Maharashtra government has announced plans to implement the NEP 2020 starting in the academic year 2025-26, which includes making Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. The new curriculum will be phased in, beginning with Class 1 in 2025-26 and expanding to all grades by 2028-29.
In response to the political controversy surrounding this initiative, Chief Minister Fadnavis has clarified that learning Marathi remains mandatory in educational institutions and that Hindi is not being imposed as a requirement.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is the NCP opposing the inclusion of Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra?**
A: The NCP argues that making Hindi compulsory undermines the Marathi language and threatens the state’s linguistic identity and cultural heritage, violating constitutional principles of linguistic diversity.
