In a decisive move that could reshape the linguistic landscape of Mumbai’s schools, the state government has extended the three‑language committee’s deadline by a month, pushing the submission of its final report to February 5. The extension, announced on January 23, follows a second postponement after the committee’s initial mandate to decide on the three‑language formula was set for January 5.
Background and Context
In April 2025, the Maharashtra government faced a backlash from educationists and civil society after a brief announcement to make Hindi compulsory from Class 1. The proposal was swiftly withdrawn, but the controversy left a lingering debate over the state’s language policy in schools. To address the issue, the government constituted a three‑language committee in June 2025, chaired by renowned educationist Dr. Narendra Jadhav. The committee’s mandate is to recommend a balanced three‑language formula that respects the linguistic diversity of Mumbai while ensuring national integration.
Over the past months, the committee has conducted extensive public consultations, gathering inputs from teachers, parents, school administrators, and linguistic experts. The state portal has received more than 12,000 written representations, and the committee has reviewed over 3,500 submissions from schools across the city’s 1,200 public institutions.
“The committee’s work is crucial for safeguarding the linguistic rights of our students while fostering a sense of unity,” says Dr. Jadhav. “We need to give ourselves enough time to analyze every piece of feedback before we finalize our recommendations.”
Key Developments
The latest resolution, passed by the state cabinet on January 23, extends the deadline from January 5 to February 5. The extension is justified by the need to “evaluate the responses received through the state portal and to examine submissions forwarded to the committee.” The resolution also stipulates that the committee will submit its final report to the state government no later than February 20.
- Extended Deadline: February 5 for report submission.
- Extended Review Period: Committee will analyze online responses until February 5.
- Final Report Submission: Expected by February 20.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Over 12,000 representations received; 3,500 school submissions reviewed.
In a statement, the Education Minister, Mahiyar Patel, emphasized that the extension reflects the government’s commitment to a thorough and inclusive decision‑making process. “We are listening to every voice in our educational ecosystem,” Patel said. “The additional month will allow us to craft a policy that is both equitable and practical.”
Impact Analysis
For students, teachers, and parents, the extension means a delay in the finalization of the three‑language curriculum. Currently, schools are operating under a provisional policy that allows flexibility in choosing the third language, but the lack of a definitive framework creates uncertainty for curriculum planning and resource allocation.
According to the Maharashtra Education Department, approximately 1.8 million students are enrolled in government schools across the state, with 60 % of them in Mumbai alone. The committee’s recommendations will directly influence the language of instruction, textbook procurement, and teacher training programs.
“We are concerned about the impact on our students’ learning trajectory,” says Priya Deshmukh, a senior teacher at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Vidyalaya. “A clear policy will help us plan better and avoid last‑minute changes that disrupt the academic calendar.”
Moreover, the policy will affect the hiring of language teachers. The state’s recruitment drive for Hindi and Marathi teachers is scheduled for March, and the committee’s final recommendations will determine the number of positions and the required proficiency levels.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Education policy analyst Dr. Ravi Shankar advises parents and teachers to stay informed about the committee’s progress. “Keep an eye on the state portal for updates, and consider participating in the upcoming public hearings scheduled for February 10 and February 15,” he recommends.
For students, the key takeaway is to maintain flexibility in language studies. “Until the policy is finalized, it’s wise to continue developing proficiency in all three languages—Hindi, Marathi, and English—so you’re prepared for any curriculum shift,” suggests Shankar.
Teachers can use this interim period to enhance their language teaching skills. The Maharashtra Education Department has announced a series of online workshops on February 5–7, focusing on modern pedagogical techniques for multilingual classrooms. Registering for these workshops can give educators a competitive edge once the new policy is implemented.
Parents are encouraged to engage with school administrations to understand how the provisional policy is being applied in their children’s classes. “Open communication with teachers can help clarify any ambiguities and ensure that students receive consistent instruction,” says Shankar.
Looking Ahead
The committee’s final report, expected by February 20, will set the tone for the next academic year. If the recommendations favor a balanced three‑language approach—English, Marathi, and Hindi—schools will need to adjust curricula, procure new textbooks, and possibly recruit additional language teachers.
Should the committee lean towards a more localized model, emphasizing regional languages, the state may need to revise its teacher recruitment strategy and invest in teacher training programs to meet the new linguistic demands.
In either scenario, the government has pledged to provide a detailed implementation roadmap, including timelines for curriculum updates, teacher training, and resource allocation. The Education Minister has also announced a special fund of ₹200 crore to support schools in upgrading language labs and purchasing new textbooks.
Stakeholders should prepare for a phased rollout, with pilot schools testing the new curriculum in September 2026 before a full-scale implementation in the 2027 academic year. This phased approach will allow for adjustments based on feedback from teachers and students.
As the deadline approaches, the committee’s deliberations will be closely monitored by educationists, parents, and policymakers alike. The outcome will not only shape the linguistic future of Mumbai’s schools but also set a precedent for language policy across Maharashtra.
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