MUMBAI: A Maharashtra government plan to conduct Hindi proficiency exams for government employees on June 28 has triggered a fresh linguistic debate. The backlash prompted the Maharashtra government on Wednesday to cancel the test.
The decision, announced by the state’s language department, had proposed holding Hindi examinations for both gazetted and non-gazetted officers across divisional centres in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on June 28, 2026. While such exams have reportedly been conducted in the past, the move drew sharp criticism from political parties and language activists.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) strongly objected, questioning the rationale behind promoting Hindi in a state where Marathi is the official language. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also opposed the move and threatened protests at examination centres if the test was not scrapped.
Following the opposition, Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant on Wednesday announced that the examination had been cancelled. He said the government would review whether such a test is necessary in the future.
“The planned Hindi language examination for government officers and employees has been cancelled. I have discussed this decision with the department secretary. This exam has been conducted annually as per the 1976 regulations. We will now verify its necessity and review the rules framed in 1976,” Mr. Samant said.
Earlier, the Shiv Sena (UBT) had termed the move contradictory, particularly at a time when Marathi has been granted classical language status, and asserted that Maharashtra’s identity is rooted in Marathi language and culture.
MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande warned of resistance if the examination was made mandatory. “If the government forcibly conducts this examination, then whatever happens at the examination centres on June 28, the state government will be responsible,” he said.
