Days after Maharashtra’s three language policy committee declared that the new framework will be formulated based on a wide range of public consultations, it posted a set of multiple choice questionnaires on the official website of the committee. Additionally, there is another set of subjective questions for teachers and principals along with their association to submit their detailed opinions on the impending three-language policy of the state. The questionnaire, which is open for all, includes a wide range of questions. Starting from obvious questions such as in which class the third language should be introduced, the list also includes questions on whether subjects like Information Technology or Computer Science (including programming languages like Python) be introduced in schools. Considering global perspective, it also includes a question on whether students should learn any foreign language through a computer-based app with the incentive of bonus marks. Dr Narendra Jadhav, who heads the eight-member committee, had announced the committee’s plan of action at a press conference in September, after the committee's first meeting. As per the plan of action announced by Dr Jadhav, a major part of the consultation will be held through an online questionnaire designed to be accessible to the general public. Whereas the committee is also going to hold public gatherings at eight different districts in the state. The committee has also issued a schedule for these visits on the website. The policy revision process was triggered after widespread criticism of the state's move to mandate Hindi as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools under the Maharashtra State Board. Even as the decision of formation of the committee under the leadership of Dr Jadhav-a former planning commission member-was announced in June, the remaining members of the panel were formally appointed only in September following which the committee has swung into action and a dedicated website - - is now functional for individuals to submit their opinions. In the questionnaire for the public, respondents are also asked to provide opinions on whether in higher classes-8th, 9th and 10th-students should be given other options as a third language such as Sanskrit, Pali, Ardhamagadhi and Urdu. Whereas in the list of questions where teachers and schools are expected to submit their detailed opinions, apart from in which class the third language should be introduced and what should it be, respondents are also expected to submit their opinion on topics such as-if three-language policy should be same for schools of all medium, whether it will be applicable to schools affiliated to all different types of boards and in that case what will be the best way of effective implementation among others.
