The Government of Maharashtra has reinforced the implementation of laws mandating the compulsory teaching and learning of the Marathi language in all schools across the state. This move is backed by multiple legislative provisions and government resolutions aimed at ensuring strict compliance.
Legal Framework and Background
The directive is based on the following key legislations and orders:
- Maharashtra Self-Financed Schools (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2012
- Act of 2020 on Compulsory Marathi Teaching
- Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in All Schools Act, 2020 (Notification dated 16 March 2020)
- School Education and Sports Department Government Resolution dated 1 June 2020
Preamble
As per the language policy of the Government of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in All Schools Act, 2020 (Maharashtra Act No. 3 of 2020) was enacted on 9 March, 2020.
Under this Act, Marathi has been made a compulsory subject from Class I to Class X in all schools from the academic year 2020–21.
Key Provisions of the Act
Section 4(2): Cancellation of Recognition
Any school that does not teach Marathi as a compulsory subject:
- Will have its recognition or No Objection Certificate (NOC) cancelled
- The concerned affiliating board or authority will be informed accordingly
Section 12(1): Penalty for Violations
School managements violating the Act are liable to a penalty of up to ₹1,00,000
Section 9(2): Government Directions
The Government is empowered to issue necessary directions to ensure compliance with the Act, Rules, Notifications, and Orders.
Implementation Notification
- A notification was issued on 16 March 2020
- The Act came into force from 1 April 2020
Section 16 of the 2012 Act
The State Government can issue general or special directions to recognized self-financed schools, provided they align with the Act
Government Resolution (1 June 2020)
- Instructions were issued to implement compulsory Marathi teaching
- Implementation to be carried out in a phased manner from the academic year 2020–21
Compliance Concerns
It has been observed that: Several schools, particularly privately managed English-medium schools, are still not teaching Marathi
As a result the Government is considering a structured procedure for:
- Imposing penalties
- Withdrawing school recognition
Latest Government Instructions
Mandatory Teacher Appointment: All schools must appoint qualified Marathi teachers with prescribed qualifications
Competent Authority: Divisional Deputy Directors of Education have been designated to ensure implementation and take action on complaints.
Procedure in Case of Violations
Inspection
Inspection teams must include experienced Marathi teachers with required qualifications
Verification Timeline
- Schools affiliated with other boards must be verified within two months of school opening
- Reports must be submitted to Director of Education (Secondary and Higher Secondary)
Note to Schools: Any school found violating these provisions will be issued a formal notice.
Explanation Period
School management must respond within 15 days
Penalty and Compliance
If violation is confirmed:
- A penalty of up to ₹1,00,000 may be imposed
- The school must begin Marathi teaching from the current academic year or the next academic year.
Payment of Penalty
Penalty must be paid as per Section 12(3) to the Director of Education
Appeal Process
Schools may file an appeal within 30 days to Director of Education (Primary) or Director of Education (Secondary & Higher Secondary)
Appeal Hearing
Appeals will be heard within two months
Final Decision
- The Director will determine whether the Act has been violated
- If confirmed, orders will be issued to pay the penalty and implement Marathi teaching
- If the school fails to comply further, a detailed report will be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, Maharashtra State, Pune.
Action by Commissioner
- A hearing will be conducted within three months.
- If non-compliance continues, the school’s recognition will be cancelled from the next academic year.
Note: Final orders will be submitted to the Government for information
Conclusion
The Government of Maharashtra has reiterated its commitment to enforcing Marathi as a compulsory subject across all schools. With clearly defined penalties, structured procedures, and strict timelines, the resolution signals a decisive step toward ensuring compliance with the state’s language policy.
Source
Official Notice by Governor of Maharashtra, 17 April, 2026: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department, Education Department, and Government of India.
