Maharashtra warns schools of Rs 1 lakh fine, loss of recognition for not teaching Marathi

Mumbai: Schools in Maharashtra may face fines of up to Rs 1 lakh and even lose their recognition if they are found to be not teaching Marathi which is mandatory, officials said.

The School Education Department tightened the enforcement of the mandatory Marathi teaching across all schools via a Government Resolution (GR) on Friday amid concerns that many schools, especially those affiliated to central borads, did not comply with the rule.

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The GR warned of strict penalties including a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for violations.

Marathi has been a compulsory subject from Classes 1 to 10 in all schools since the 2020-21 under the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language Act, 2020, and applies to all institutions irrespective of board or medium, the GR stated.

The department designated divisional deputy directors of education as competent authorities to oversee implementation of the rule.

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Schools will be inspected within two months of the start of the academic year to ascertain whether they are teaching Marathi, and receive notices with 15 days to respond in case of violation.

School managements can challenge penalties before the Director of Education. Continued non-compliance could lead to hearings before the School Education Commissioner and eventual cancellation of recognition, the GR said.