‘Teach Marathi or pay the fine’: Maharashtra tightens enforcement in schools

Schools found violating norms will be issued notices seeking clarification. Representation pic/Pexels

With the state government mandating Marathi teaching across all schools, the education department has begun issuing notices to ensure the subject is included in the curricula of institutions across boards, including self-financed schools.

"We will send notices in June, when the academic year begins. Soon after, education inspectors will visit schools to ensure enforcement of the move to make Marathi compulsory," said Sanjay Javir, Education Inspector, Mumbai West.

April measures

Though the state had announced the policy earlier, fresh directives to strengthen implementation were issued in April, following which the department began action. The policy mandates that every school appoint a Marathi teacher with prescribed qualifications.

School checks

With the new academic year, inspections will be conducted during the first two months. Schools found violating the norms will be issued notices seeking clarification.

Strict action

Schools failing to comply could face fines of up to Rs 1 lakh or even loss of recognition if satisfactory clarifications are not provided.

"We have already visited a few schools following complaints that Marathi was not being taught. However, we have not found any case with merit so far," Javir added.