Plan to make Marathi compulsory in schools evokes mixed reactions

Plan to make Marathi compulsory in schools evokes mixed reactions

PUNE: The statement by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that Marathi will soon be made compulsory in all schools in the 

State, across boards, has been evoking mixed reactions from parents and activists.

While many educationists have asserted that teaching local language at school level will be very beneficial, many have pointed out the ambiguity about the class until which the language must compulsorily be taught.

On Thursday, the CM informed the Legislative Council that while a law of this kind already exists, the government will soon make provisions to make its implementation more strict. He said that action will be taken against schools that don’t adhere to the law.

Pointing out the need to clarify the provisions, President of Maharashtra State Kanishtha Mahavidyalay Marathi Vishay Shikshak Sanghatana (an organisation of Junior College Marathi teachers in the State) Professor Sunil 

Disale said, “The government should make it clear whether the compulsion of Marathi is till class X or XII.”

“Also, we need to know whether it is now compulsory to offer Marathi across boards for the children who wish to learn or will it be compulsory for all whatsoever?” he added. 

While many have asked the government to clarify on the same, several educationists have also applauded the decision. 

“The law has always existed. Hopefully, the government will now properly implement it,” said education expert Mukund Kirdat.

He added, “It has been proven that elementary education helps in the overall development of children in a much better way. As far as the children of other boards are concerned, the law could be a little flexible.”

Kirdat suggested that such compulsion should not be made for students of central schools like those of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs). “It is true that the parents of children at KVs are mostly Central Government employees and are often transferred. Hence, it makes no sense to make Marathi compulsory for them, though a choice for the same could be provided. As long as other non-Marathi students in other boards like those of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are concerned if the children and their families are planning to be in Maharashtra for a considerable period of time, what’s the harm in learning Marathi. It would, in fact, be helpful for them,” Kirdat explained.

However, according to educationist AL Deshmukh, instead of Marathi, the child’s mother tongue must be made compulsory for him/her to learn in the schools.

“Teaching Marathi to everyone does not make much sense. Instead, wouldn’t it be better if the children learn their first languages since psychological studies state that a child’s aptitude develops better that way,” Deshmukh added.

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