By team abhyaspeeth 
Special Correspondent | Pune:
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has once again responded strongly to critics opposing the inclusion of Hindi from the early school years. He questioned the mindset that glorifies English while distancing itself from Hindi, which he described as the national language. “Why should English feel close and Hindi distant?” he asked.
Speaking to the media during an event organized by Bharat Vikas Parishad in Pune, CM Fadnavis clarified that under the New Education Policy (NEP), three languages have been made compulsory in schools. Among them, two must be Indian languages. In Maharashtra, Marathi is mandatory by default. The second language can be selected from Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, or other regional languages. Hindi was chosen in most cases because trained teachers are already available for it.
However, Fadnavis emphasized that Hindi is not replacing Marathi. “Marathi will remain compulsory across Maharashtra,” he asserted. He added that if more than 20 students in any school opt for another Indian language, teachers for that language will be arranged, particularly in border regions where linguistic diversity is more prominent.
On another note, CM Fadnavis addressed the recurring issue of water scarcity in several parts of Maharashtra during April and May. In areas lacking independent water sources, district collectors have been authorized to map the needs and make necessary arrangements through alternative sources.
He also mentioned that the appointment of BJP mandal presidents has been completed, with district president appointments to follow soon. After that, elections for the state president position will be conducted through the party’s democratic process.