Only spoken third language will be taught in classes 1 and 2: Dada Bhuse
The revised GR issued on June 17 had sparked controversy by stating that Hindi would “generally” be the third language.
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Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse has announced that students in classes 1 and 2 will be taught only to speak a third language (File photo)Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse has announced that students in classes 1 and 2 will be taught only to speak the third language, with reading and writing components deferred until Class 3. The move marks another course correction by the state government following strong backlash over its proposal to introduce Hindi as the default third language in Marathi and English medium schools across the state for classes 1 to 5.
“The third language in classes 1 and 2 will be taught and evaluated only for spoken skills. Written skills in the chosen third language will not be introduced until Class 3,” Dada Bhuse said.
The revised GR issued on June 17 had sparked controversy by stating that Hindi would “generally” be the third language. Although the GR allowed students to choose an alternative Indian language instead of Hindi—subject to a minimum of 20 students opting for it—many argued this condition effectively imposed Hindi by default. Following significant backlash, including political opposition, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a high-level meeting earlier this week, during which it was decided that the implementation of the three-language formula in the state would proceed only after comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders, including language experts, political leaders, and other groups concerned.
Bhuse on Thursday reiterated that that there was no attempt to impose Hindi. “Students are allowed to learn any of the 22 Indian languages as the third language. The condition of having a minimum of 20 students is only to ensure the availability of a teacher for that subject, which is a basic requirement to create a teaching post in any school. If fewer than 20 students wish to learn a language other than Hindi, the school should arrange for its teaching through online platforms,” said Bhuse.
According to a senior official from the state school education department, of the 22 Indian languages, a demand for 15 to be taught as third languages in Maharashtra is expected. “With several schools of different mediums of instruction, we are already running schools in eight of those 15 languages, which indicates that curriculum development can be completed quickly. Once the format for required teaching and learning goals is established for one language, it will be easier to replicate it for others. Moreover, for Classes 1 and 2, there will be only handbooks for teachers instead of textbooks for students. The circulation of the newly prepared handbooks can be completed by the end of July.”
On Thursday, Bhuse said his department has begun preparing a presentation of the plan for stakeholders, and such consultations will be held within the next eight days.
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