Maharashtra school edu minister again clarifies Hindi third language proposal on hold
Confusion regarding Hindi being introduced as the third language flared up again as Balbharti, Maharashtra's Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, released a circular on May 20 that included a point – 'All concerned will be informed separately regarding the textbook 'Khel Khel Mein Sikhe Hindi' (for Marathi and English mediums) for Class 1'.
Denying that the language would be made compulsory, Bhuse added, 'Because of this (the issues raised), in the coming time, students and parents expect education in which language and from which Class (will be taken into account). Some people said that Hindi should not be introduced from Class 1 but from Class 3. Many such issues came forward, so in the coming time all these issues will be taken into account and the decision will be taken.'
An April 16 circular by the state government had declared that Hindi would be mandatory as the third language from Classes 1 to 5. However, strong opposition from political and cultural circles opposed this move. A few days later Bhuse announced after a cabinet meeting that the move was being rolled back and said, 'The word mandatory will be removed… The three-language formula remains, but schools must accommodate other language choices if a significant number of students in a class request it.'
Soham is a Correspondent with the Indian Express in Pune.
A journalism graduate, he was a fact-checker before joining the Express. Soham currently covers education and is also interested in civic issues, health, human rights, and politics. ... Read More
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