Language of Unity or Imposition? Maharashtra's Hindi Language Row Explained
Published on: June 30, 2025 | Source: Adapted from sarkarynaukary editorial insights
Image Credit: The Hindu
As language becomes a growing theme in India's federal politics, a fresh controversy in Maharashtra has rekindled the national debate around multilingualism and linguistic unity. At the epicenter of it is the state government's flip-flop over making Hindi a compulsory third language in schools under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The episode highlights the delicate balance between fostering national unity and preserving regional linguistic identities.
In this detailed analysis, we delve into the key issues, political context, and ground-level implications of Maharashtra's language policy shift and examine how it ties into the broader educational and constitutional framework of India. This article is especially useful for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other central/state-level examinations.
Understanding NEP 2020's Language Policy
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 brings forward a vision of holistic academic development, one of which includes linguistic plurality through its 'Three Language Formula'. According to NEP 2020:
- Every student must learn three languages at school level.
- Out of these, two must be native Indian languages, and the third one can be a foreign language (usually English), depending on regional context and student/community choice.
- States retain autonomy to choose which Indian languages are taught.
This liberalized policy aimed to respect India's diversity while encouraging functional multilingualism. However, the Maharashtra government's recent move has revealed fault lines in this formulation.
Maharashtra's Controversial Move and Retraction
Recently, the Maharashtra government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced that Hindi would "generally" be the third compulsory language taught in schools up to Class 5. The statement triggered a wave of backlash across the political landscape in the state. Critics viewed this as an indirect push to promote Hindi at the expense of regional languages like Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Following wide outrage and media criticism, the state retracted this move and decided to conduct further consultations. A committee, headed by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, was constituted to explore the linguistic preferences and educational needs of the state's diverse student population.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the government will now act based on the committee's recommendations, signaling a more accommodative approach.
Why the Language Issue Matters in Maharashtra Politics
Language in Maharashtra is more than communication; it is cultural identity. The political response, particularly by estranged leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, both flag bearers of Marathi pride, was swift. They accused the BJP of 'Hindi imposition', a term historically associated with linguistic centralization attempts.
Interestingly, even rival factions united on this issue, showcasing how sensitive and deeply rooted linguistic pride is in regional politics. Their criticism elevated the debate beyond academics, touching on issues of federalism, identity, and political control.
Power, Language, and Unity: A National Perspective
The language debate is more than just academic preference; it's about political power. Languages spoken by the politically dominant groups often gain educational and institutional favor. Hindi, being widely spoken and politically significant, often becomes a default second language, sidelining others.
For instance, while NEP strives for equality among Indian languages, implementation remains uneven. Rarely do students in north Indian states such as Bihar learn southern languages like Tamil, Telugu, or Malayalam as part of the three-language formula. Consequently, regional diversity in language learning remains aspirational at best.
According to Maharashtra Education Minister Ashish Shelar, there are 15 Indian languages officially available for study. If at least 20 students in a school opt for a particular third language, it can be offered. But he also acknowledged that such conditions rarely materialize in smaller or low-resourced schools.
The Realpolitik of Linguistic Unity
For the BJP, this issue folds into a larger narrative of national unity. While the goal appears noble, the means have drawn criticism for overlooking regional sensibilities. Uniformity should not be mistaken for unity. India's diversity needs to be embraced through inclusion, not imposition.
The Union Government must also consider if language policies are promoting harmony or giving rise to resentments. The perception that power is being wielded to enforce linguistic centralization defeats the democratic ethos of accommodation and pluralism.
How This Topic Helps UPSC, SSC, and Bank Exam Aspirants
Understanding the ongoing policy debates on language is crucial for civil services and banking aspirants. Here's how this article can be beneficial:
- UPSC Mains – GS Paper II: It covers federal structure, education policy, constitutional provisions on language, and center-state relations.
- Essay Paper & Ethics: Useful in essay topics like "Unity in Diversity in India" or "Language and Identity".
- SSC & Bank Exams: Reading comprehension, current affairs, and general awareness sections often include educational reforms and political developments.
- GS Paper I (Society): This topic also intersects with regionalism, cultural integration, and identity politics.
Practice Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
- What is the core aim of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's three-language formula?
- Which state's government recently withdrew a proposal to introduce Hindi as a general third language until Class 5?
- Why was the move by the Maharashtra government controversial?
- Who has been appointed the head of the newly formed language policy review committee in Maharashtra?
- Name two exams where analysis of the three-language policy can be directly useful for preparation.
Answers:
- To promote multilingualism and inclusivity while respecting regional language preferences.
- Maharashtra
- It was seen as an effort to impose Hindi over regional languages, raising political and cultural concerns.
- Dr. Narendra Jadhav
- UPSC and SSC
Conclusion
Maharashtra's episode underscores a recurring theme in Indian governance—the delicate balance between national cohesion and cultural diversity. While the promotion of Hindi may be part of broader integration efforts, any disregard for local identities can backfire, alienating communities rather than bringing them together. Language should be a medium for inclusion, not division. Policymakers must listen, adapt, and ensure that unity does not come at the cost of India's celebrated pluralism.
