Mandatory Marathi Teaching in Urdu Schools: A New Chapter Begins

The Maharashtra State Minority Commission will mandate Marathi language teaching from Class I in Urdu schools starting from the 2025-26 academic year. Additionally, the state plans to regularize temporary Marathi teachers. Over the years, Marathi language teachers in these schools have drastically reduced, necessitating these measures.

The Maharashtra State Minority Commission has announced a significant shift in language education policy, aiming to make Marathi teaching compulsory from Class I in Urdu schools beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. This directive is part of an initiative to bolster Marathi language education, which has seen a decline in instructor availability.

According to a statement by Pyare Khan, Chairperson of the Commission, proposals concerning this mandate have already been submitted to the state education department. The commission also emphasizes the need for regularizing temporary Marathi teachers, addressing workforce shortages, and enhancing educational outcomes.

Historically, there were over 4,500 Marathi language teachers serving in Maharashtra's Urdu schools, a number now diminished to around 500. This reduction has raised concerns as to the adequacy of Marathi language instruction, prompting this strategic educational policy intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)