Maharashtra government withdraws three-language policy orders amid Hindi imposition chorus

Maharashtra cabinet announced the decision to withdraw two government orders (GR) on the implementation of three-language policy in the state. 

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced the formation of a committee under educationist Narendra Jadhav to suggest the way forward and implementation of the language policy.

The state government issued a government order on April 16 that made Hindi a compulsory third language for students in classes 1 to 5 studying in English and Marathi medium schools. The order raised concerns, forcing the government to amend the order, making Hindi an optional language. 

"The state cabinet has decided to withdraw the Government Resolutions (GR) issued in April and June regarding the implementation of the three-language policy from class one. A committee headed by Dr Narendra Jadhav will be formed to recommend implementation (of the three-language formula)," Fadnavis said.

The initial government order was highly criticised by the Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and NCP (SP), who called it an 'imposition' of Hindi in Maharashtra. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the joint protest by his party and the MNS on July 5 against the three-language policy stands cancelled after the Maharashtra government withdrew the order. 

 "The government withdrew the GR that made Hindi mandatory. This is a victory of Marathi unity and fear of Thackerays coming together. The July 5 morcha will not take place now. This is brand Thackeray," Raut said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said his party does not oppose Hindi but only its 'imposition'. "We have burnt the copies of the GR which means we don't accept it. We don't oppose Hindi but we will not allow its imposition. The government does not understand the reason behind the morcha. Injustice has been meted to Marathi. The question is how much pressure are you going to put on students," he said. 

India