In a groundbreaking decision that is expected to spark significant debate amid ongoing discussions around language education, the Maharashtra government has officially adopted the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under this new policy, Hindi will be introduced as a mandatory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5 in the state, starting from the 2025–26 academic session. This decision, part of a broader educational reform, was announced through a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the school education department on Wednesday.

The Expansion of the Three-Language Formula

Traditionally, the three-language formula had been applied primarily at the secondary education level, but the new policy marks a significant shift by extending this framework to primary education. As per the State Curriculum Framework, which has now been adopted across all schools in Maharashtra, students in both Marathi-medium and English-medium schools will begin learning Hindi from Class 1.

This change is expected to foster greater linguistic inclusivity and improve communication across regions, considering the wide range of languages spoken in Maharashtra. The move will require students in non-Marathi and non-English medium schools to learn both Marathi and English as compulsory languages, with the third language being the respective medium of instruction.

Revised Structure for School Education

In addition to introducing Hindi as a third language, the NEP also brings about a restructuring of the school education system. The policy replaces the traditional 10+2+3 model with a more flexible and age-appropriate 5+3+3+4 format. This model divides education into four stages:

1. Foundation Stage (Ages 3 to 8)

2. Preparatory Stage (Classes 3 to 5)

3. Pre-Secondary Stage (Classes 6 to 8)

4. Secondary Stage (Classes 9 to 12)

This segmentation aims to better cater to the developmental needs of students and ensure a more holistic educational experience. As Deputy Secretary Tushar Mahajan explained, the new policy seeks to make school education more accessible and adaptable, moving away from rigid, age-inappropriate structures.

Key Pillars of the New Education Policy

According to Tushar Mahajan, the NEP 2020 is built on five fundamental pillars:

• Access

• Equity

• Quality

• Affordability

• Accountability

These pillars are designed to enhance the quality and inclusiveness of the educational system, ensuring that the policy aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to be achieved by 2030.

Phased Rollout and Oversight

To ensure a smooth transition, the Maharashtra government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has put in place a four-phase rollout plan for the NEP, which will start with Class 1 in the 2025-26 academic session. The state government has also established several committees to oversee the successful implementation of the policy.

One such committee is the State Steering Committee, which will be headed by the Minister of School Education. The committee will be tasked with monitoring the implementation progress and addressing any potential issues as they arise, ensuring that the NEP is adopted effectively across the state.

Implications for Teachers and Schools

The introduction of Hindi as a mandatory language, coupled with the revamped curriculum structure, will likely require adjustments at the school level. Teachers will need to undergo training to adapt to the new educational model and effectively implement the revised language requirements. Schools will also have to make curricular changes to accommodate the early introduction of Hindi and ensure that the transition to the 5+3+3+4 structure is seamless.

The shift also raises important questions regarding the socio-political implications of mandatory Hindi in a linguistically diverse state like Maharashtra, where the language debate has often been a sensitive issue. The introduction of Hindi as a compulsory language could spark opposition from regional political parties, as well as advocates for local languages. However, the Maharashtra government's assurance that both Marathi and English will remain integral to the curriculum aims to balance the linguistic diversity of the state.

Looking Ahead

The adoption of the NEP 2020 by Maharashtra is a significant step in reshaping the state's education system. While the policy aims to create a more inclusive and flexible framework, its success will depend on effective implementation, the willingness of teachers and students to adapt, and the support of all stakeholders, including parents and local communities.

As the state gears up for the 2025-26 academic session, the full impact of these reforms will become clearer, with many expecting to see significant improvements in both academic standards and linguistic integration across Maharashtra.

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