Baramati MP and NCP leader Supriya Sule has strongly opposed the Maharashtra government's recent decision to make the CBSE board compulsory and impose Hindi as a mandatory third language in schools across the state. Speaking to the media on April 19, 2025, Sule criticized the forced implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, warning that such moves threaten the Marathi language and the state's cultural identity.
Sule questioned the rationale behind replacing the existing state education board with the CBSE curriculum, emphasizing that the government should first focus on strengthening basic educational infrastructure before rushing into policy changes. She cited the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), highlighting the need for improving student performance in core subjects like mathematics, science, and languages rather than hastily adopting new systems.
On the language issue, Sule was unequivocal: "If the implementation of the NEP in Maharashtra causes any loss to the Marathi language, it will not be tolerated. Marathi will be the priority." She argued that making Hindi compulsory for students from classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools is unacceptable and that parents should have the freedom to choose languages rather than being forced to accept Hindi.
The MP's stance has found resonance among opposition parties and cultural groups, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also vowing to resist the compulsory Hindi imposition. Critics accuse the BJP-led state government of attempting to undermine Marathi culture and identity by enforcing Hindi, which they see as a divisive move.
Sule further expressed concern that teachers are unprepared for the rapid rollout of NEP changes, which could adversely affect students’ learning outcomes. She called for a more measured approach that respects linguistic diversity and prioritizes the state's mother tongue.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the policy, stating the importance of Hindi as a unifying language across India, but Sule and others remain firm in their opposition, emphasizing the need to protect Maharashtra’s linguistic heritage.
