Bhuse noted that while an earlier government communication used the word “mandatory” for Hindi, the revised order issued on Tuesday described it as “generally” the third language, a subtle shift which critics have flagged as ambiguous.The minister, however, defended the government’s decision, saying learning Hindi will benefit students.”Learning Hindi is important because it is largely used for communication in public life,” the minister told reporters here.”After the 12th standard, the Union government has given importance to scores in the third language as well. In such a policy, students from Maharashtra should not fall behind; hence the three-language policy is accepted,” he said.”Hence, learning Hindi will benefit students in the long run,” Bhuse said.He pointed out that Hindi is already being taught from class 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools, while in non-Marathi-medium schools, Marathi remains compulsory and English is taught as the third language.Addressing concerns over the imposition of Hindi, Bhuse said students will be given the option to choose another Indian language as the third language.”If students opt for any other language, we are making arrangements for that. If fewer students select it, the language will be taught online or through other available medium. The decision to select a third language is left to students and their parents,” he added.It could help students to improve their merit, the minister said.He also said strict action would be taken against schools not teaching Marathi as per the curriculum.
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