The Maharashtra government has reiterated that Marathi is a compulsory subject in schools of all mediums and management boards across the state.
School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse informed the Legislative Assembly that strict action will be taken against institutions that fail to implement the rule.
Bhuse was responding to a question raised by MLA Haroon Khan during the Assembly session.
The minister said that under a government notification issued on March 1, 2020, Marathi has been made a compulsory subject in all schools regardless of the medium of instruction or the management running the institution.
He clarified that even schools affiliated with international or national education boards must teach Marathi either as a second language or a third language. Under no circumstances can the language be excluded from the curriculum.
Responding to a complaint raised by Khan regarding a particular school, Bhuse said the Education Department will conduct an inspection of the institution. If it is found that Marathi is not being taught, the school will be informed of the legal provisions and appropriate action will be taken.
The minister said the rule applies not only to government schools but also to private, unaided institutions and schools affiliated with foreign boards.
Since Marathi is the official language of the state, it is important that the younger generation learns the language and helps preserve it, he said, adding that the government will not compromise on the issue.
Bhuse further clarified that schools failing to implement the rule will be directed to comply. Institutions that continue to violate the order could face cancellation of their recognition.
MLAs Atul Bhatkhalkar and Amit Deshmukh also participated in the discussion during the Assembly proceedings.
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