The Maharashtra government has announced a major education policy change.
Marathi will now be compulsory for students from Class 1 to Class 10 in all schools across the state, regardless of the board they follow.
This rule applies to schools affiliated with state board, CBSE, ICSE, IB, Cambridge, and other international boards operating in Maharashtra.
The government says strict action will be taken against schools that fail to follow the directive.
What Is the New Rule?
The decision is based on the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in All Schools Act, 2020.
Under this rule, Marathi must be taught as a compulsory subject from Class 1 to Class 10 in every school in Maharashtra, no matter what the medium of instruction is.
The government says the aim is to ensure that students develop basic proficiency in Marathi and stay connected with the state’s language and culture.
Strict Action Against Schools
The School Education Department has warned that schools not following the rule may face serious consequences.
Possible penalties include:
Fines of up to ₹1 lakh
Withdrawal or cancellation of school recognition in extreme cases
Regular inspection drives to check compliance
Officials have made it clear that enforcement will be strict across all schools.
What It Means for Students
For many students in Maharashtra, Marathi is already part of the syllabus.
However, this new order will mainly affect schools following national and international boards, where implementation has not always been uniform.
Now, all students will have to study Marathi up to Class 10.
Schools may also need to:
Hire additional Marathi teachers
Adjust timetables
Follow government guidelines for exams and assessments
Language Debate Continues
The decision has sparked ongoing debate around language education in schools.
Supporters believe learning Marathi helps students stay connected with local culture and improves communication within the state.
Critics, however, argue that adding mandatory language requirements may increase academic pressure on students already studying multiple subjects.
Despite differing opinions, the Maharashtra government has confirmed that the rule will remain in place.
Government’s Strong Stand on Enforcement
By extending Marathi as a compulsory subject across all boards, the government has taken a firm stand on language policy in education.
The move is expected to impact thousands of schools and millions of students across Maharashtra in the coming years.
Officials say the goal is to ensure uniform implementation and strengthen the role of Marathi in the state’s education system.
