📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / NikosLikomitros
Education
Marathi Ekikaran Samiti protests Maharashtra's one‑year extension of language training
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 30 Aug 2026, 10:18 PM
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The Maharashtra Marathi Ekikaran Samiti staged a protest against the state government's decision to extend language training by another year, citing concerns over implementation and impact on students.
Mumbai, Aug 30 — The Maharashtra Marathi Ekikaran Samiti gathered outside the state secretariat on Thursday to demonstrate against the government's recent order to prolong the mandatory Marathi language training programme by an additional year. Protesters held placards and chanted slogans demanding a review of the policy, which they say places undue burden on schools and students.
The extension, announced by the Education Department earlier this month, aims to give institutions more time to meet the target of 100% Marathi proficiency among school‑age children. Officials argue that the extra year will help address gaps identified in recent assessments and ensure compliance with the state's linguistic objectives.
Samiti leaders, however, contend that the delay reflects poor planning and will disrupt academic calendars. They called for a transparent timeline and greater involvement of educators in shaping the curriculum. The protest remained peaceful, and authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the group's demands.
The issue highlights ongoing tensions between language preservation advocates and educational administrators in Maharashtra, as the state balances cultural goals with practical schooling concerns.
The extension, announced by the Education Department earlier this month, aims to give institutions more time to meet the target of 100% Marathi proficiency among school‑age children. Officials argue that the extra year will help address gaps identified in recent assessments and ensure compliance with the state's linguistic objectives.
Samiti leaders, however, contend that the delay reflects poor planning and will disrupt academic calendars. They called for a transparent timeline and greater involvement of educators in shaping the curriculum. The protest remained peaceful, and authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the group's demands.
The issue highlights ongoing tensions between language preservation advocates and educational administrators in Maharashtra, as the state balances cultural goals with practical schooling concerns.