Hindi to Remain Optional in Maharashtra Schools, Clarifies Education Minister Dada Bhuse
Mumbai, 22nd April 2025: Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse clarified on Tuesday that Hindi will not be a compulsory subject in schools across the state. Instead, it will remain an optional subject under the three-language policy outlined by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Speaking at a press conference at Mantralaya in Mumbai, Bhuse emphasised that the central government has not enforced any specific language, including Hindi, as mandatory under the NEP. “Learning Hindi is voluntary, not obligatory,” he stated.
He further explained that although Hindi has been included from Class 5 onwards, it was introduced from Class 1 to make it easier for students to grasp the language early on. “Marathi and English are the only compulsory subjects. If students express interest in learning a third language other than Hindi, the state will consider the demand and the availability of teachers accordingly,” Bhuse added.
He also addressed the confusion arising from a government resolution that labelled Hindi as “mandatory,” stating, “The term ‘mandatory’ created unnecessary misunderstanding, and we are removing it from the resolution.”
Supporting Bhuse’s remarks, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant also confirmed that students have the freedom to select any third language. “There’s no enforcement regarding Hindi. Students can opt for any third language they prefer,” Samant said.
He accused certain groups of spreading misinformation about Hindi being imposed in Maharashtra’s education system. “If at least 20 students opt for a particular language, a teacher will be assigned. For fewer numbers, we will arrange online classes,” he explained.
Both ministers reaffirmed that the state’s education policy remains inclusive and flexible, catering to students’ linguistic preferences while maintaining transparency and choice in language learning.
