Maharashtra: Only grades for Marathi subject in schools not affiliated to state board

“This is only for the next three years, starting from academic year 2023-24, for classes 8, 9 and 10,” states the GR.

Justifying the decision, the GR pointed out that the compulsion was implemented amid the Covid-19 pandemic thereby impacting the teaching and learning process of Marathi language in schools which are running non-state board curriculum and are not familiar with the subject.

In 2020, Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly making Marathi language a mandatory subject in all schools in the state, across all the boards.

In 2021, as the state began the process to review its implementation in schools, punitive measures were decided for violators starting from show-cause notice to even fine. There was no action reported until now.

Criticizing the move, coordinator of the association of Marathi medium schools’ managements Sushil Shejule, said, “The GR also mentions that the grade obtained in the subject will not be included in the consolidated marks of a student. With no marks attached to it, the subject will not be treated at par with other compulsory subjects. Furthermore, the GR states that the relaxation is applicable for only three years. But who is going to review this after three years? The government never completed the process of review of its implementation.”