Not In Favour Of Making Hindi Compulsory From Class 1 In Maharashtra: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Last Updated:June 29, 2025, 13:23 IST

While speaking to the reporters in Baramati, the deputy CM said that the issue would be discussed at a cabinet meeting ahead of the monsoon session of the state legislature.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. (File)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar has weighed in on the ongoing three-language issue in the state saying that he was not in favour of making Hindi compulsory from Class 1, however, from Class 5 students and parents can take a call on the third language.

While speaking to the reporters in Baramati, the deputy CM said that the issue would be discussed at a cabinet meeting ahead of the monsoon session of the state legislature.

While reiterating his view, Pawar said, “We have never been of the opinion that Hindi should be imposed from the start. There’s no compulsion to learn Hindi."

He clarified that there is no compulsion to learn Hindi from Class 1.

Opposition parties have criticised the order issued by the BJP-led government that Hindi will be "in general" a third language for Classes 1-5 in Marathi- and English-medium schools unless at least 20 students in a class opt for an alternative.

“There’s no compulsion of Hindi. We believe that everybody in their respective state should learn their mother tongue. We said that one should think about Hindi from Class five. Those in English-medium schools should learn Marathi as it is a compulsory subject. People should make the decision (about alternative language) from Class five," Pawar said as quoted by news agency PTI.

He said that the issue would be discussed in the cabinet meeting on Sunday evening on the eve of the legislature session.

“Generally, in Maharashtra, along with Marathi and English, students choose Hindi as the third language," he said.

Pawar’s remarks came amid calls for a protest by the estranged Thackeray cousins– Uddhav and Raj– in Mumbai against “imposition" of Hindi on July 5.

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS party workers have launched a campaign to mobilise a large crowd for the rally. In addition to social media posts, posters are being put up across the city. One such MNS poster features a photo of Ajit, implying that he supports their stance.

In April, the Maharashtra government notified Hindi as a third language which will be mandatory for students in Classes 1 to 5  in Marathi and English medium schools triggering strong reactions from opposition parties – Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP…

Amid growing protests, CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that Hindi would not be made compulsory. In a revised order, state government said Hindi would generally be the third language, but in cases where a different language is preferred, a minimum of 20 students would need to opt for it.

(With inputs from PTI)

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...

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News politics Not In Favour Of Making Hindi Compulsory From Class 1 In Maharashtra: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar