Maharashtra Language Committee Presents Final Report to Chief Minister
The state-appointed language committee, chaired by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, has formally submitted its comprehensive final report to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This significant document is anticipated to be presented before the state cabinet during an upcoming meeting, marking a crucial step in resolving the ongoing language policy debate.
Beyond Language: A Vision for AI and ICT Education
In a notable expansion of its mandate, the committee's submission included more than just recommendations on the contentious language formula. "Along with the main report on the language policy, I submitted a supplementary report on the introduction of artificial intelligence and information and communication technology (AI and ICT) from Classes 1 to 12," Chairman Narendra Jadhav revealed. This forward-looking proposal aims to integrate cutting-edge technological education throughout the school curriculum.
Jadhav elaborated that he personally conducted a detailed presentation on implementation strategies before Chief Minister Fadnavis, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, and Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar. "I am confident that the language-related recommendations can be implemented from the coming academic year, starting June," he stated. However, he tempered expectations regarding the technological component, noting, "the AI and ICT curriculum may take more time, as the government will need to consult NCERT and other central educational bodies." The committee expects the cabinet to review both reports within the next week.
Background: A Controversial Path to Review
The formation of this committee followed intense public and political opposition to the Maharashtra government's initial attempts to implement a three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy was based on recommendations from the earlier Mashalkar committee, which examined NEP implementation in the state.
The controversy ignited on April 16, 2025, when the state issued a Government Resolution (GR) mandating Hindi as the third language from Class 1. This move sparked widespread criticism from education experts, civil society organizations, and multiple political parties, who accused the government of attempting to impose Hindi on the state's educational framework.
In response to the backlash, the government issued a second GR on June 17, 2025. This resolution stated that if more than 20 students in a class opted for a different third language, the state would appoint a teacher for that language. However, this compromise also faced sharp criticism, with opponents labeling it a "backdoor" attempt at Hindi imposition.
The escalating dispute culminated on June 29, 2025, when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took the decisive step of scrapping both Government Resolutions. Following this retraction, the government announced the formation of the Narendra Jadhav-led committee, tasking it with comprehensively reviewing the language policy and recommending a sustainable way forward for the state's educational landscape.
The committee's final report, now submitted, represents a potential resolution to this prolonged educational policy debate while simultaneously proposing an ambitious technological upgrade for Maharashtra's school curriculum.
