Marathi Compulsory in All Maharashtra Schools From Classes 1-10, Exams Mandatory

The Maharashtra government has reiterated that the teaching of Marathi and examinations in the language are now mandatory for students from Classes 1 to 10 in schools of all mediums across the state. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse told the Legislative Assembly on Monday, June 29, that institutions failing to comply with the law could face penalties of up to INR 1 lakh and, in cases of continued violations, cancellation of recognition.

Replying during Question Hour in the Assembly, Bhuse said the provisions are being enforced under the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Act, 2020, along with a government resolution issued on April 17, 2026, which introduced stricter enforcement measures. Birth Dates on Wedding Cards in Maharashtra Soon? State Weighs New Rule To Curb Child Marriage.

Maharashtra Makes Marathi Exams Mandatory in All Schools

Marathi Compulsory in All Maharashtra Schools

Bhuse said Marathi has been made compulsory from Classes 1 to 10 in schools of every medium of instruction, irrespective of the education board. Schools are also required to appoint qualified Marathi teachers, and compliance will be monitored through regular inspections.

"If a school does not implement the provisions, it will first be asked to rectify the violation. If it still fails to teach Marathi, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh can be imposed. If there is continued non-compliance, the school's recognition can also be cancelled under the government decision issued on April 17, 2026," the minister said. Marathi Language Mandate: Maharashtra Government Launches ‘Practical Marathi’ Drive for Auto-Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers From May 1.

He added that the phased implementation envisaged under the 2020 Government Resolution has now been completed, making Marathi teaching compulsory across all schools in Maharashtra.

Marathi Examinations Mandatory

Clarifying doubts raised by legislators, Bhuse said Marathi would not remain merely a compulsory subject on paper. "Marathi examinations will definitely be conducted for every class," he said.

The clarification came after BJP MLA Atul Bhatkalkar sought to know whether Marathi would be treated like optional subjects such as art and handicrafts or whether students would be required to appear for examinations from Classes 1 to 10.

Bhuse said the provision to cancel a school's recognition has been introduced for the first time under the 2026 Government Resolution, making implementation of the Marathi language policy more stringent.

"If any complaint is received that a school is not teaching Marathi, an inquiry will be conducted. If the violation is established, the school will first be issued a notice imposing a penalty of INR 1 lakh. If it still fails to comply, the government's new 2026 GR empowers us to cancel the school's recognition," he said.

He also warned that officials who fail to enforce the law could themselves face action. Appealing for public participation, the minister urged MLAs to visit schools in their constituencies to ensure Marathi is being taught regardless of the medium of instruction.

Opposition legislators questioned the effectiveness of the policy and its enforcement. Varun Sardesai (Shiv Sena-UBT) and Nitin Raut (Congress) asked how many schools had been found violating the rules, how many had been fined or derecognised, and why the government waited nearly five years after making Marathi compulsory in 2020 before introducing stricter enforcement measures.

Sardesai also sought the names of schools against which action had been taken and asked whether institutions allotted government land at concessional rates but failing to teach Marathi would face additional action.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu demanded that the existing penalty of INR 1 lakh be increased to INR 10 lakh.

During the discussion, legislators urged the government to revive an international-standard Marathi education board that had been established by a previous state government before being dissolved. Responding to the demand, Bhuse said the government would examine the proposal and take a positive decision after due consideration.

The Assembly discussion also covered concerns over school textbooks, with members alleging historical inaccuracies, including references to Savitribai Phule, Mahatma Phule and chapters dealing with different religions.

Responding to the concerns, Bhuse said the Maharashtra government had requested the Centre to expand coverage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in CBSE textbooks.

He said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had accepted the proposal and the content on Shivaji Maharaj had now been expanded to 22 pages, enabling students across the country to learn more about his contribution.

The minister added that the state government is revising textbooks and will restore lessons on eminent personalities that had been omitted from earlier editions.

Bhuse said schools are expected to sing the state song "Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha" with due respect, similar to the National Anthem, adding that the government will continue creating awareness about the requirement.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2026 05:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).