Maharashtra cracks down on schools ignoring compulsory Marathi education laws

The Maharashtra government has warned schools about strict penalties for failing to implement compulsory Marathi education. Under the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Act, 2020, all schools must teach the language and conduct examinations in it for Classes 1 to 10. Non-compliance could result in fines or loss of recognition. The state assembly recently debated the enforcement of the law. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkalkar asked whether Marathi examinations would be mandatory for every class. In response, the government confirmed that tests in the language are required for all students from Standards 1 to 10.

Opposition members raised concerns about the law’s implementation. They questioned how many schools had been penalised for violations so far. The government also addressed claims of inaccuracies in textbooks, stating that lessons on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had been expanded in CBSE materials.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu proposed increasing the fine for violations to Rs 10 lakh. Currently, schools face penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh for non-compliance, with repeated offences risking cancellation of recognition. Schools have also been instructed to hire qualified Marathi teachers to meet the requirements. The law mandates Marathi teaching and examinations for all primary and secondary classes. Schools must comply or face financial penalties and potential derecognition. The government has reinforced its commitment to enforcing the rules and improving educational content.