Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 25: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has voiced strong opposition to the state government’s move to introduce Hindi as a third language from Class 1, suggesting instead that it be taught only from class 5 onwards.

Addressing reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday, Pawar said students should first gain fluency in Marathi, the state language, from the beginning of their schooling. “Students should learn Marathi from Class 1 and be able to read and write it fluently. I believe Hindi should not be introduced before class 5,” he said.

The controversy erupted after the state government recently issued an amended order stating that Hindi would generally be taught as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. While the government clarified that Hindi would not be mandatory, it required a minimum of 20 students per grade to opt for any other Indian language in its place.

Pawar stressed that while he was not against teaching any language, imposing an additional one on young students could overwhelm them. “No one is opposed to any language. But it is not right to burden children with an extra language at such an early stage,” he remarked.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had convened a meeting on the matter on Monday and assured that a final decision would be taken after consulting all stakeholders, including educationists, language experts, and political leaders.

Adding to the chorus, veteran actor Sayaji Shinde also opposed the move. “Marathi is a rich language and children should be given time to master it before being introduced to another language. If Hindi is to be taught, let it be after Class 5,” he said, calling for the government to withdraw the decision.

The debate has sparked wider public and political discussions across the state over the implementation of the three-language formula in schools.