Maharashtra mandates Marathi teaching in all schools; fines up to Rs 1 lakh for violations

The Maharashtra school education department issued a Government Resolution (GR) on Friday mandating the compulsory teaching of Marathi in all schools across the state. The order cautions that institutions failing to comply may face fines of up to Rs 1 lakh and, in repeated cases, risk losing their recognition.

As per a report by The Indian Express, the directive has been issued under the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in All Schools Act, 2020, and applies to all schools irrespective of their board, medium, or management. It also makes it mandatory for schools to appoint qualified Marathi teachers.

The Indian Express further reported that authorities have put in place a monitoring system, assigning divisional Deputy Directors of Education to oversee implementation.

Schools are expected to be inspected within two months of the new academic session. If violations are found, institutions will be issued notices and given 15 days to respond, after which action, including penalties, may follow.

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Marathi compulsory: Appeal window, risk of derecognition

The resolution also includes a provision for appeal, allowing school managements to approach the Director of Education within 30 days. Continued non-compliance could escalate to hearings before the Commissioner of Education and may eventually lead to derecognition.

The Indian Express quoted Sushil Shejule, coordinator of the Marathi School Management Association, saying, “Multiple GRs have been issued in this regard over the past six years, but implementation remains incomplete. Despite our repeated demands, the authorities have failed to compile a clear list of schools complying with or in violation of the mandate. This latest GR issued ahead of the new academic year is yet another eyewash.”