Nagpur: In a decisive move to enforce language policy, the Maharashtra Government has announced strict action against schools failing to implement Marathi as a compulsory subject from Classes 1 to 10. The School Education Department has issued a detailed Government Resolution (GR), making it clear that violations will attract penalties, including hefty fines and even cancellation of recognition.
The GR reiterates that Marathi has been mandatory in all schools across the state since the 2020–21 academic year, following the implementation of the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language Act, 2020. Despite this, several institutions have allegedly failed to comply fully, prompting the government to tighten enforcement.
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As per the new guidelines, defaulting schools will first receive a notice and must submit their explanation within 15 days. If the response is found unsatisfactory, authorities can impose a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Schools will also be directed to introduce Marathi as a compulsory subject from the next academic session without fail.
The action does not stop there. Schools will be given 30 days to appeal, but continued non-compliance even after the appeal process could lead to cancellation of recognition. The final decision in such cases will be taken within three months after a hearing before the School Education Commissioner.
Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring uniform and effective teaching of Marathi across all boards and institutions in the state.
However, the policy has sparked debate among education experts. Deepak Pawar, founder of Marathi Abhyas Kendra, has demanded clarity on whether Marathi should be treated as a first, second, or third language. He also criticized the current system where some schools allocate only 50 marks to the subject, arguing that it dilutes its importance. Pawar has proposed making Marathi a 100-mark compulsory paper in Board examinations to ensure seriousness in implementation.
The issue of Marathi language enforcement has gained wider traction recently. Earlier this week, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that from May 1, taxi and autorickshaw drivers across Maharashtra must pass oral and written Marathi proficiency tests, warning of licence cancellation for non-compliance—a move that has triggered protests from drivers’ unions.
According to the GR, Divisional Deputy Directors of Education will act as the nodal enforcement authorities. With clear timelines, penalties, and accountability mechanisms now in place, the government has signalled a zero-tolerance approach toward violations.
The latest crackdown underscores the state’s push to strengthen the position of Marathi in education, but it also raises critical questions about implementation, academic structure, and resistance from stakeholders.
