Is Maharashtra Quietly Enforcing Hindi? Balbharati Circular Sparks Controversy

Pune, 25th May 2025: Despite assurances from the Maharashtra government that Hindi will not be made compulsory from Class 1, confusion continues to mount after Balbharati (Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research) issued a circular that vaguely references a Hindi textbook for first-grade students.

The mention of the book ‘Khel Khel Mein Seekhein Hindi’ has sparked concerns that Hindi may still be introduced indirectly under a new label.
The circular states: “All concerned will be informed separately regarding the textbook ‘Khel Khel Mein Seekhein Hindi’ (for Marathi and English medium schools) for Class 1.”

The lack of clarity in this line has led to speculation that the government is pushing Hindi through the backdoor, despite previous public commitments to the contrary.

Earlier this year, following widespread opposition, the state government had assured that Hindi would not be compulsory in primary school, and that students would have the option to choose from other Indian languages as their third language. However, no official Government Resolution (GR) has been issued yet — and with the academic year set to begin in less than a month, the absence of formal guidelines is causing unease among parents and educators alike.

The circular, which outlines textbook changes for the 2025–26 academic year, references various updates such as textbook availability, policy implementation, and workbook requirements. But it is Point 6, specifically mentioning the Hindi textbook, that has reignited concerns.

Adding to the confusion, the circular also notes that non-Marathi medium students will be informed separately about the ‘Majjet Shikuya Marathi’ textbook — leading to questions about whether Marathi too will be made compulsory for these schools.

When contacted, Krishnakumar Patil, Director of Balbharati, clarified: “Action regarding textbooks will be taken only as per the instructions of the state government.”

Yet, education activists and experts remain skeptical. Dr. Madhav Suryawanshi, Chief Coordinator of Shikshan Vikas Manch, said, “Despite the government’s declaration, the lack of a GR and the mention of Hindi textbooks in official circulars clearly indicate an attempt to enforce Hindi as a third language. Likewise, there are concerns about the imposition of Marathi on non-Marathi medium schools.”

As schools prepare to reopen, the lack of clarity from the government has left educators, parents, and school administrators in limbo. Stakeholders are now demanding an immediate GR to eliminate ambiguity and ensure transparency in language policy implementation.