The Maharashtra State Language Advisory Committee has sought a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reiterate its opposition to the proposed implementation of the three-language policy in schools from Class 1. The committee said it wants to present what it describes as “scientific and educational” reasons for opposing the early introduction of three languages at the primary school level.

The request for a meeting was formally communicated through a letter sent to the Chief Minister on February 28. According to committee members, the decision to approach the government was taken unanimously during a meeting of the 29-member panel held on February 12. The committee is headed by writer and retired IAS officer Laxmikant Deshmukh, who has been vocal about concerns surrounding the policy.

The issue has been under discussion since April 2025, when the state government proposed introducing Hindi as the third language for students beginning from Class 1. The move triggered opposition from sections of academics, language experts, and political groups who argued that introducing multiple languages at such an early stage could affect students’ learning outcomes and place additional pressure on young learners.

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Following the criticism, the Maharashtra government initially rolled back the government resolution related to the policy. However, a revised government resolution issued in June reintroduced the provision with certain changes. Under the revised framework, Hindi was designated as the default third language in schools, although institutions were permitted to offer another language if at least 20 students requested it.

Members of the Language Advisory Committee have maintained that even with the revised provisions, the policy raises significant pedagogical concerns. They argue that early education should prioritise foundational learning in a child’s primary language and that introducing multiple languages too soon may hinder comprehension and cognitive development in the initial years of schooling.

The committee hopes that a direct meeting with the Chief Minister will allow it to present its concerns in detail and influence future policy decisions. The outcome of the proposed discussion could play an important role in shaping the state’s language education policy, particularly as debates continue across India regarding the implementation of multilingual education under evolving national and state-level frameworks.

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