'Helps connect with people across country': Amruta Fadnavis backs Hindi; calls for it to be taught in Maharashtra schools

In a remark that could provide fresh ammunition to the opposition, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's wife Amruta Fadnavis on Wednesday said Hindi should be taught in schools, as it helps connect with people across the country.

Her statement came three days after the BJP-led government withdrew a government resolution (GR) which introduced Hindi as a third language from Classes 1 to 5.

"Marathi is number one (language) for Maharashtra, no doubt about it. To communicate at the global level, English is useful. But for connecting with people across the country, from North to South and East to West, I personally feel Hindi could be included in the curriculum," Amruta Fadnavis told reporters here.

Students should have the freedom to choose from available language options, she said, adding, "It will help in promoting inclusivity. Students should get options to learn (languages) and they can choose," she added.

The Fadnavis government had initially announced in April that Hindi would be introduced as a third language from Class 1, triggering criticism from opposition parties who accused the BJP of trying to `impose' Hindi at the cost of Marathi. The government then said it was putting the decision on hold, but a fresh GR clarified that Hindi could still be taught as an optional third language.

The move drew even stronger backlash, and opposition parties and groups such as the Marathi Abhyas Kendra mounted pressure on the government, forcing it to withdraw the two GRs and announce the formation of a committee to review the policy.