THE Marathi Abhyas Kendra, a Marathi cultural organisation, has published a 54-page booklet opposing the state government’s proposal to introduce Hindi, Marathi, and English from Class 1. Copies were sent to the Maharashtra Governor, chief minister, deputy chief ministers, and the school education minister on Wednesday, the group said.

Written in Marathi, the booklet argues that young students cannot effectively learn three languages simultaneously. Experts cited in the booklet suggest that once a child’s mother tongue is firmly established, a second language can be introduced after Class 5 or Class 6, and a third language a few years later. At the primary level, other subjects should be taught in the mother tongue alongside reading and writing.