Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has strongly opposed state government’s decision to make Hindi a compulsory subject from Class 1 under the new education policy. According to the revised policy issued by the School Education Department, Hindi has been introduced as a third language from the first grade, while other optional languages can only be taught if at least 20 students opt for them.
Thackeray has termed this decision as a direct attack on Maharashtra’s cultural identity and the mother tongue, Marathi. He described it as a mentality that seeks to impose language rather than promote linguistic diversity.
Thackeray revealed that he has already written two letters to the state government on this matter and will now send a third letter. This time the letter will directly address all school principals across Maharashtra to show resistance against the policy. He alleged that an active lobby of IAS officers, who themselves avoid speaking Marathi are behind this move to impose Hindi in the state.
Raj Thackeray’s Stern Letter To All School Principals
In his letter to school principals, Raj Thackeray has urged them to oppose the government’s agenda. He has assured them of MNS support. “If you don’t resist this imposition,” he warned, “MNS workers will come to meet you personally.” Thackeray further questioned, “If Hindi can be made compulsory in Maharashtra, then will Marathi be taught as the third language in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh?”
Citing the Central Government’s National Education Policy (NEP), Thackeray stated that it does not mandate Hindi as compulsory in any state. He highlighted Gujarat, where Hindi has not been made compulsory, and questioned why Maharashtra was being singled out for such language imposition.
Thackeray has appealed to all school principals to openly oppose this decision. He has asked them to stand up for the dignity of the Marathi language while ensuring a balanced multilingual education system.
Also Read: Maharashtra: Hindi No Longer Mandatory As Third Language In Classes 1–5
