Educators across Maharashtra have urged the state government to formally revoke its proposal to introduce a third language from Class 1, demanding an official Government Resolution (GR) to confirm the rollback. Despite verbal assurances from School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, stakeholders argue that the absence of a written order continues to cause confusion and unrest in the academic community.
In a joint representation submitted on Sunday, 23 educational institutions and associations expressed concern over recent policy announcements. The letter, addressed to Minister Bhuse, criticizes what the signatories describe as unilateral and poorly planned policy shifts, especially the introduction of a third language and subjects like military education at early grades.
Sushil Shejule, coordinator of the Marathi School Management Association, emphasized the core issue:
“We’re not opposing Hindi or any specific language. Our objection is to the timing. Introducing a third language in Class 1 is developmentally inappropriate. Children already begin learning Hindi from Class 5—advancing it to Class 1 is unrealistic.”
He added that more than 11,000 individuals have signed a petition via Google Forms, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the policy. Although Minister Bhuse has reportedly assured that the government is reconsidering the move, Shejule questioned the delay in issuing a formal GR:
“Since the policy was originally implemented through a GR, why hasn’t it been officially repealed? Without a written resolution, we fear it may quietly be enforced despite public opposition.”
Adding to the anxiety is the fact that Hindi textbooks for Class 1 have already been printed, which many see as a signal that the policy could still proceed despite public resistance.
The joint representation also challenges the introduction of ‘patriotic education’ and military-style training in the early grades. Critics argue that such measures are inappropriate for children aged 5 to 7, both developmentally and pedagogically.
“Children at that age cannot meaningfully grasp ideas of national duty or military discipline. These policies have been introduced without any consultation with child development or education experts,” the letter states.
The signatories—including the Marathi Abhyas Kendra, senior educationist Ramesh Panse, and the Maharashtra State Secondary and Higher Secondary Principals’ Federation—have called for greater transparency in education policymaking and stricter adherence to research-based practices. They have also accused the government of adopting an overly centralised and authoritarian approach to curriculum design.
The collective demand is clear: no third language should be introduced before Class 5, maintaining the long-standing educational framework already in place. The group also seeks the immediate withdrawal of any policies perceived to promote militarisation or ideological indoctrination at the primary school level.
Until a formal Government Resolution is issued, Maharashtra’s educators say they will continue to press for clarity, citing the broader implications of such early-age policies on the future of schooling and student well-being.
