Maharashtra Government Withdraws Hindi Language Mandate Amid Protests
In June 2025, the Maharashtra government, led by the Mahayuti coalition, rescinded its resolutions requiring Hindi as a compulsory third language in state board schools after widespread protests in Mumbai and Pune. The mandate, aimed at aligning with the National Education Policy of 2020, sparked significant political backlash, uniting leaders Uddhav and Raj Thackeray against the decision. The protests highlighted long-standing tensions over language and identity in Maharashtra, with critics arguing that the policy imposed an additional burden on students from non-Hindi speaking families. The historical context of linguistic resistance in the region dates back centuries, with significant events shaping the current discourse on language and education in India.
Published 1 day ago • 10 Jul 2026, 11:24 AM IST