Maharashtra's Marathi Teacher Mandate: What Schools Need to Know?
- June 23, 2026, 5:44 p.m.
The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for all schools throughout the state, irrespective of medium of instruction, education board or management, to appoint teachers with Marathi qualifications to mentor the language from the current academic year. The government has given a strict warning, mentioning that schools failing to follow the directive will face action, including the cancellation of their licence.
The Education Department has made inspection teams consisting of Education Officers, Education Inspectors and Deputy Directors of Education to ensure the effective execution of the Marathi language policy. The teams involve professional teachers with Marathi qualifications.
Authorities have allotted the responsible teams to ensure compliance in schools affiliated with non-state boards within 2 months of execution and submit a complete report to the Secondary and Higher Secondary DoE. The move fortifies earlier supplies that needed all school staff to have a working knowledge to guide its teaching throughout institutions, no matter what the medium of instruction or affiliation.
The policy springs up from the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching & Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Act 2020, which has made the language a mandatory subject in all schools. The pandemic interrupted its execution and led the government to establish temporary relaxations.
Dadaji Bhuse, the School Education Minister, declared that the government had published a formal notice to impose Marathi as a mandatory subject throughout all schools in Maharashtra, addressing the Legislative Assembly on 13.3.2026.
He also mentioned that the government will take the required steps after informing the school management regarding the legal needs if Marathi is not being taught. The government will not compromise on ensuring that the new generation studies it as the language is the state’s official language. The rule applies equally to private, unaided, international board and government schools functioning throughout Maharashtra.
