Maharashtra Revises Language Policy in Schools Following Public Response

In recent months, the Maharashtra government has taken steps to reconsider a proposed change in the way languages are taught in schools. The policy aimed to introduce a three-language system, but it faced strong opposition from different groups. As a result, the government decided to withdraw the initial orders that planned to implement this new policy. To better understand how people felt about the proposed language changes, a special committee was set up. The committee was led by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, who was asked to review the policy and recommend the best way forward. This step was taken to ensure that the decision would consider the views of the public and all stakeholders. A key part of the review was collecting public opinion. On October 9, 2025, the committee launched an online survey for people to share their opinions. This survey was open to anyone interested in giving feedback about the proposed three-language policy. The goal was to gather as many views as possible to see how the policy was viewed across different communities. Since then, the government and the committee have been carefully examining the feedback received through the survey. As of February 10, 2026, there has been no official statement about what the committee has recommended or whether any changes will be made to the policy. This situation is important because language policies in schools affect many aspects of education and community relations. A change in the language policy can impact students’ learning, teacher training, and cultural identity. The government’s decision to review and seek public opinion shows an effort to make the policy more acceptable and beneficial for all involved. Regarding the timeline, the initial proposal to implement the three-language system was active before the withdrawal in June 2025. The formation of the review committee happened shortly after the withdrawal to study the issue more thoroughly. By launching the online survey in October 2025, the government invited public participation to help shape the future of language instruction in schools. Currently, the final outcome of this review process remains uncertain. The government has not yet announced whether they will proceed with any new policy based on the committee’s recommendations or if they will make further modifications. Stakeholders continue to await further updates. The official position so far emphasizes the importance of public consultation and careful study before making any further decisions. This approach aims to balance educational needs with the views of the community and to ensure that any language policy implemented in schools is supported broadly. In summary, Maharashtra is in a phase of revisiting its school language policies. The government has paused the implementation plans, formed a committee, and sought public opinions through an online survey. The process highlights the government’s intent to develop a language policy that considers diverse opinions and educational needs. No final decision has been announced yet, and the situation remains under review.