Maharashtra’s Three-Language Policy Debate: Dr Narendra Jadhav Says Balance of Public Opinion and Expert Insight Is Key

The Maharashtra government’s newly appointed three-language policy committee has begun consultations to decide the future of language education in schools. At the centre of the effort is Dr Narendra Jadhav, economist, educationist, and former Planning Commission member, who stresses that the real challenge lies in balancing public opinion with expert guidance before submitting final recommendations.

Why the Three-Language Policy Matters

Language is never just about communication — it shapes identity, opportunity, and culture. The NEP 2020 had suggested the three-language formula, leaving it to states to decide how and when to introduce languages. Maharashtra’s earlier move to make Hindi compulsory from Grade 1 sparked widespread opposition, leading to the current re-examination.

With over two crore students in Maharashtra, the committee’s decision will directly influence literacy, pedagogy, and social identity for years to come.

Public Consultations Underway

The committee has placed a strong emphasis on seeking views from teachers, parents, institutions, activists, and political leaders. Dr Jadhav acknowledges that the third language was previously “imposed” without public dialogue, making it critical to incorporate stakeholders’ voices this time.

Objections, debates, and suggestions are being gathered to ensure the eventual report reflects both expert analysis and ground realities.

Expert vs. Stakeholder Perspectives

Dr Jadhav admits that political and cultural pressures are inevitable. “Where is there no politics? We cannot pretend it doesn’t exist. But my role is to write an honest, professional report,” he said. The recommendations will not be binding; the final decision rests with the government.

He also defended his credentials, responding to critics questioning his academic expertise, pointing to his experience as Vice-Chancellor of Pune University, author on education reforms, and his Planning Commission tenure where education was part of his portfolio.

Cognitive Impact of Three Languages

Experts caution that forcing three languages too early can harm learning outcomes. The ASER report highlighted that half of Grade 5 children in rural India cannot read Grade 2 texts in any language.

Research shows ages 0–8 are critical for development, and overloading children with three full academic languages leads to cognitive clutter, rote learning, and weak literacy foundations. Jadhav insisted on including a child psychiatrist in the committee to ensure developmental needs remain central.

The idea, he argues, should not be to impose all languages at once, but to phase them appropriately for cognitive and emotional well-being.

The Core Debate

• Pro-policy voices: Argue that multilingualism boosts opportunity, cultural integration, and national unity.
• Critical voices: Point to overburdened students, poor literacy, and lack of functional command over any language.
• Middle ground: Suggests sequencing — allowing mastery of one or two languages before adding the third.

Quick Takeaway

• Maharashtra’s three-language policy is under review.
• Committee chaired by Dr Narendra Jadhav.
• Aim: Balance expert research with public feedback.
• Experts warn against overloading young children with three languages.
• Final decision will rest with the government, not the committee.

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