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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Maharashtra board Std I textbooks include ChildLine & Pocso helpline numbers to promote child safety awareness
Nashik: The Maharashtra State Board textbooks for Standard I, published by Balbharti, now feature the ChildLine helpline number 1089 on the penultimate page of all subjects. This initiative aims to raise awareness among children to seek assistance from the organisation dedicated to child safety. The textbooks also include information about "good and bad touch" and the Pocso helpline. Praveen Aher, the project coordinator of ChildLine Nashik, said, "ChildLine is a 24-hour toll-free emergency phone service that offers immediate legal help for children in need of care and protection (CNCP). It can be accessed by anybody by dialling 1089. The same number has now been printed on the penultimate page of the textbooks of Std I after the textbooks were revised and printed as per the National Education Policy (NEP). " He added as the books are updated for new standards each year, the helpline number will continue to be included. The primary beneficiaries of this information are the children. Aher said, "This new book will be handled by a large number of students from school, home, and relatives and neighbours out of curiosity, and they will come across this ChildLine message. Some children face a lot of issues, but don't know what to do. For them, ChildLine comes into the picture. Children or any adult can seek help from the system, but only for the help of a minor. " Kunda Shinde, a school teacher in a Nashik Municipal Corporation school, said the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act message is also included in the textbook. "A small message appealing to the children to 'press e-box' button available on ncpcr@ if someone touches them inappropriately and seek help under the provision of Pocso has also been printed on the page," she said. Shinde added, "It is another way of getting the system into the children's world and attempting to secure the environment for them." Shinde conducted an exercise with the children and dialled the number. She said, "Children were attentively listening to it. The receivers of the ChildLine phone number introduced themselves to the children, and the children told them about the school. The children and parents present even noted the number. We will be conducting more such sessions for all the parents and the children soon." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Educationists question revisions in 3-language policy: How can schools adjust to frequent changes?
The state government's changing stance on the third language policy has led to a chaotic beginning to the academic year, according to teachers in Maharashtra. The government's announcement of the formation of a new committee for fresh recommendations on the issue has left many of them baffled, as unit tests are only a month away. Teachers have urged the government to wait until the next academic year before implementing any new decisions. After multiple revisions, the Maharashtra government on Sunday halted the three-language policy by revoking two contentious Government Resolutions (GRs) issued in this regard. As Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement, he also informed about the formation of a new committee headed by Dr Narendra Jadhav to further analyse the policy of introducing a third language in Classes 1 to 5 of Marathi and English medium schools under the Maharashtra State Board. Questioning the government's intentions, Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals Association, said, 'The state is simply playing with the future of lakhs of young children. From the imposition of Hindi as the third language to making it optional and changing its learning goals, the government has altered its stance multiple times on the third language—so much so that it also included readjusting the timetable structure for schools.' 'It is not easy to fix a timetable for any school, which is generally finalised well before schools reopen after the summer break. But in June, a new structure was imposed to accommodate the third language, and now there is a pause on its implementation. How are schools expected to adjust to these frequent changes,' he asked. Ganpule highlighted how some schools might have had to rejig their timetable to match the new structure issued by the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT), which now requires another revision. 'When will they focus on academics?' he questioned, pointing out that unit tests are approaching in August. The state's school education department initially introduced the third language in Class 1 and made it mandatory to teach Hindi. Following backlash, a revised order stated that students could opt for any other language in place of Hindi, but a teacher would be provided only if there were at least 20 students in a class requesting the alternative—thereby making Hindi the default third language. While opposition continued, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse later announced that in Classes 1 and 2, the third language would focus only on spoken skills, and the reading/writing component would be introduced in Class 3. Finally, the Chief Minister halted the entire process on Sunday by revoking the two GRs. 'Although the Chief Minister has announced the cancellation of the 'Three Languages from Grade 1' directive, considering past experiences, it is difficult to place trust in this,' said Dr. Madhav Suryavanshi, Chief Coordinator, Education Development Forum, Yashwantrao Chavan Center. He added, 'Previously, despite public assurances by the Chief Minister and the Education Minister that three languages would not be made mandatory from Grade 1, the government ultimately implemented the decision to mandate three languages from Grade 1 from this academic year. Unless an official order is issued cancelling the 'Three Languages from Grade 1' decision, this government's stance cannot be trusted.' Questioning the urgency, senior educationist Vasant Kalpande urged the state government to wait until the next academic year. 'This academic year has already started. Instead of disturbing it, it will be better if the government takes time to make a final decision. A new committee is set to study the three-language policy. They should be given time for a thorough study, and their recommendations should be made public for suggestions and objections before a final decision is taken.' Kalpande further emphasised that when educational decisions are made without taking into confidence all those concerned with the decision, then those become issues of identity. 'When educational issues take on the form of linguistic, caste-based, religious, or cultural identity matters, political interference becomes inevitable. This is exactly what happened in the case of this arbitrarily made decision. It can be avoided if adequate time is spent to follow the procedure.'
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Hindi in Maharashtra schools: CM reviews policy, says decision only after consultations with all stakeholders
Amid growing opposition against Maharashtra government's policy on including Hindi as 'generally' the third language in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5 from the academic year 2025-'26, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that a final decision on the three-language formula will be taken only after comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders. The announcement came after a high-evel meeting at the CM's official residence, Varsha, late evening that was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Minister of State Dr Pankaj Bhoir, and senior education department officials. According to officials, the meeting discussed the implications of the policy, especially under the new National Education Policy (NEP). It was decided that a comprehensive presentation will be prepared highlighting the linguistic situation across the state, ensuring that Marathi-medium students do not face any disadvantage. The CM stressed that the presentation should be shared with all relevant stakeholders, including language scholars, writers, and political leaders, and a structured consultation process be launched. 'Only after this process is completed, a final call will be taken on the policy,' Fadnavis said. As per the decisions taken, minister Dada Bhuse will now initiate the next phase of consultations. On April 16, the state government issued a government resolution (GR) introducing third language from Class 1 to 5 and stated that Hindi will be mandatory as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools of Maharashtra State Board. Following major backlash, minister Dada Bhuse on April 22 declared that Hindi will not be mandatory and a new GR would be issued. The revised GR issued on June 17 reignited the controversy by emphasising that Hindi will 'generally' be the third language and that students would be allowed to opt for another Indian language, provided at least 20 students are available for the same. According to officials, the review will focus on the logistical aspects of implementing the revised GR. 'Marathi remains compulsory in all schools, and there is no imposition of Hindi,' Fadnavis had said last week during his visit to Dehu for the Sant Tukaram Wari. He reiterated that the state was following the three-language formula laid down in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which he said is binding on all states. On Monday, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar clarified saying, 'In fact, our government has removed the earlier compulsion of teaching Hindi from Classes 5 to 8. Instead, we have made it (Hindi) available as an optional choice alongside several other languages. Therefore, the ongoing discussion around the issue is unrealistic, unreasonable and illogical.' 'We are staunch supporters of the Marathi language and equally committed to the interest of students,' said Shelar, who is also the Mumbai BJP president. However, the Opposition has accused the BJP-led government of pushing a political agenda under the guise of education reforms, with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray claiming that the move was an attempt to impose Hindi on Marathi-speaking students. Raj Thackeray also questioned why Maharashtra was implementing the policy when even BJP-ruled Gujarat had not made Hindi compulsory in schools. (with PTI)
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Revised GR makes Hindi default third language in Maharashtra schools
The Maharashtra government has issued a revised Government Resolution (GR) stating that Hindi will be taught as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools across the state for Classes 1 to 5. The revised order, released on Tuesday, includes a provision allowing students to opt for another Indian language in place of Hindi provided at least 20 students from the same class in a school make such a request. The amended GR updates a previous directive issued in April, which had made Hindi mandatory as the third language. That order was subsequently withdrawn following strong opposition from regional language advocates, and political parties who termed it an attempt to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking students. Despite the revision, the latest resolution has triggered fresh controversy. Critics argue that the 20-student threshold makes it impractical for most schools to offer alternatives effectively, cementing Hindi as the default third language. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has criticized the move, accusing the state government of pursuing the backdoor imposition of Hindi in schools. Party chief Raj Thackeray has threatened to launch protests against schools implementing the new policy and continuing to teach Hindi under the revised guidelines. The new GR states that based on the recommendations of the State Curriculum Framework (SCF) 2024, Hindi will generally be the third language for classes 1 to 5. It, however, adds a caveat for students who can opt out of this rule. 'However, if students wish to study any other Indian language instead of Hindi as their third language, they will be permitted to do so. However, in order to offer an alternative language in place of Hindi, a minimum of 20 students from the same class in the same school must express interest in learning that particular language. If at least 20 students express the desire to study a language other than Hindi as their third language, a teacher will be provided to teach that language. Otherwise, the language will be taught through online methods.' As per the original GR, Hindi was mandatory as a third language in Classes 1 to 5 of Marathi and English Medium schools of Maharashtra State Board. Following a widespread backlash, it was declared by the school education minister Dada Bhuse that Hindi will no longer be mandatory and alternatives will be provided for those interested to learn other Indian languages. In fact, Bhuse has also stated that introduction of a third language from Class 1 will be on hold, until a detailed policy with alternatives to Hindi will be ready. The revised order, however, has sparked a fresh row over Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Educationists and political parties have claimed that by limiting choices through restrictive conditions, state is subtly imposing Hindi when there is absolutely no such demand from stakeholders. 'They had promised that they will provide options to Hindi along with curriculum design for them, as it is already fixed for Hindi. In fact, it was also stated that the three-language formula will not be implemented in the absence of curriculum guidelines for alternatives to Hindi. But the revised order is indirectly leaving no option for schools to opt out of Hindi.' senior educationist from Maharashtra, Vasant Kalpande, said. Kalpande highlighted that there are over 80 percent schools in Maharashtra which are not going to meet the condition of having minimum 20 students. 'There is a huge number of government-run schools having total enrolment of students which is less than 20. The number of schools having 20 in one class to opt for an alternative is also going to be very few. Furthermore, with no curriculum, no textbooks and no teachers, how the government plans to allow alternatives to Hindi as third languages?' he asked. The revised order states that in case of students demanding an alternative are less than 20, the said language can be taught in online mode. But Girish Samant, chairman, Shikshan Mandal Goregaon, which runs a very popular Marathi medium school in suburban Mumbai, said, 'This is very unclear as government is asking schools to seek online platforms to teach languages alternative to Hindi; without providing curriculum, textbook or any other support for the same. Furthermore, the government does not justify how language can be taught online to Class 1 students.' Samant highlighted that there is immense opposition by academicians to bring three languages in curriculum as early as in Class 1. 'It is inhuman to force young children in Class 1 to learn three languages,' he said. But according to Sushil Shejule, coordinator of the Marathi School Management Association, 'State government seems to be politically motivated to implement three languages from Class 1, despite the original SCF recommendations of only two languages until Class 5. And their insistence on learning Hindi is illogical as students in Maharashtra are anyway learning spoken Hindi.' Shejule also highlighted procedural gaps when he pointed out that the government's assurance that it will provide a teacher if there are minimum 20 students opting for the alternative, is impossible. 'With no teacher recruitment, this statement by the government is unclear in explaining how it will provide teachers. And more so, what if in big schools there are two groups of 20 students each demanding two different languages to be taught as third language,' said Shejule. Many academicians are also highlighting that introduction of third languages is contrary to SCF recommendations, as opposed to what is being explained by the state government. Mahendra Ganpule, former head of Maharashtra School Principals' Association, said, 'The SCF for Foundational Stage (FS) which includes pre-primary and Class 1 to 2, recommended only two languages. Accordingly, the school time-table for these two classes was already prepared. The introduction of a third language from Class 1 was later decided without any required amendment to SCF-FS. There is no clarity on how a third language will now be adjusted in the already set time table which is as per the SCF-FS.' Educationist Kishore Darak highlighted that the state government has conveniently overlooked a key aspect of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023 (NCFSE) developed by NCERT under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends introducing a third language only from Class 6. 'It makes no academic sense for Maharashtra to introduce a third language to children as young as the first graders,' said Darak, further questioning the idea of introducing the third language in schools in Maharashtra without having any discussion around it. Meanwhile, school education minister Dada Bhuse issued a statement on Wednesday evening stating that Marathi language is mandatory and Hindi and other Indian languages are optional. Apart from reiterating the revised GR, Bhuse clarified that, 'Marathi will be a compulsory subject in all schools, regardless of the medium of instruction. Strict action will be taken against schools that do not teach Marathi.'
Indian Express
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Maharashtra schools submit letter to Minister Bhuse over clarification on 3-language policy, military education
With only a week left for the new academic year to begin, schools across Maharashtra continue to complain about confusion over the state's three-language policy. Despite verbal assurances from School Education Minister Dada Bhuse that the policy has been put on hold, there is lack of a formal written order in this regard, which according to schools has caused chaos ahead of the new academic year. As many as 23 educational institutions and associations have come together and submitted a letter to the Maharashtra School Education minister Dada Bhuse, urging for a written order to end the confusion. The letter dated June 8, also demands cancellation of plans to introduce basic military education from grade 1 in government-run schools, announced by Bhuse, earlier this month. 'In Maharashtra, there has been unrest over the introduction of three-languages from Class 1, particularly the decision to mandate Hindi. While the Hindi mandate was officially revoked, there is no formal order by government on whether or not the third language will be introduced in Class 1 from academic year 2025-26, as declared earlier,' stated the letter which further adds that amidst this chaos over introduction of third-language at this young age, the recent announcement to introduce basic military education from Grade 1 has caused further stress for schools. In April, the state education department issued a government resolution (GR) mandating Hindi as a compulsory third language from Class 1 in Marathi and English medium schools under the Maharashtra State Board. Following a political backlash, with opponents questioning the imposition of Hindi on non-Hindi speaking students, the Hindi mandate was withdrawn immediately. The government, however, insisted on continuing with three-languages then. Though Bhuse later clarified in a media interaction in late May that the implementation of the three-language policy was on hold, no official circular has been issued in this regard as yet. Sushil Shejule, Coordinator of the Marathi School Management Association, who is leading the collective of associations which sent the letter, said, 'Introducing additional languages at such an early stage is not supported by child development experts. Furthermore, with young children not yet capable of understanding concepts like the nation, military responsibilities etc., introduction of military education from Grade 1 sparks a question if it is a step towards turning the country into a militarized regime. Educational decisions, especially those involving curriculum and values, must be taken with expert consultation.'
