Her comments come in response to widespread criticism of the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 at both Marathi and English-medium schools, marking a shift from the previous practice of learning just two languages.
While addressing reporters in Pune, the Baramati MP remarked, “I was the first to challenge the education minister’s proposal to make the CBSE board compulsory in Maharashtra. Why should we replace our existing state board with CBSE? Before we tackle the language matter, we need to focus on the fundamental education infrastructure in the state.”
Referencing the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) published by the NGO Pratham Foundation, as cited by the Centre, she highlighted the importance of assessing students’ skills in mathematics, science, and languages.
Also Read: Hindi mandatory 3rd language for Classes 1-5 in Maharashtra; MNS slams move
She cautioned that the government should not hastily implement the NEP, as it could have negative consequences for students and that teachers were not ready for such changes.
“If the NEP implementation in Maharashtra harms the Marathi language in any way, we will not accept it. Marathi will always take precedence,” Sule emphasized.
She further argued that if new languages are to be introduced, parents should be given the choice. “Making any language mandatory is inappropriate. Marathi is the native tongue of the state’s residents and should remain the primary language,” she insisted.
Sule also criticized the Sassoon General Hospital’s report concerning a pregnant woman’s alleged denial of admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to a non-payment of a deposit of ₹10 lakh. She argued that the report was lenient towards the hospital and the gynaecologist, asserting that such a report “should be burnt”.
Also Read: Maharashtra makes Hindi a compulsory third language for classes 1 to 5
The NCP (SP) leader further raised questions about the appointment of retired bureaucrat Pravin Pardeshi as chief economic advisor to the chief minister, asking why only one advisor was chosen when there are many distinguished economists in Pune and Mumbai. She mentioned that Maharashtra is grappling with issues like fiscal deficit and debt management, while other states are performing better.
“In terms of implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission and managing investments and budgets, Maharashtra does not rank among the top five or ten states. The report released on Friday indicates that the top-performing states do not have double-engine governments,” Sule stated.
“After receiving a significant mandate, people expected a stable and progressive government. Sadly, in the last 100 days, there has been no notable advancement,” she concluded.
