Thane: A controversy has surfaced in the city over the alleged absence of Marathi language education at the Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kolset, sparking strong political reactions. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has taken an aggressive stance, warning of protests if the issue is not resolved promptly.

Representatives of the MNS student wing claim the school neither offers Marathi as a subject nor has appointed qualified teachers. They argue this violates Maharashtra government rules that make Marathi compulsory in all state schools. A formal complaint filed in February 2026 raised these concerns and called for immediate action from education authorities.

The issue has now drawn the attention of the Thane Municipal Corporation’s (TMC) education department. Officials have issued strict instructions to the regional office of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, directing immediate implementation of Marathi teaching in line with state policy. Authorities have stated that from the 2026–27 academic year, Marathi must be introduced as a second language without exception, warning of administrative action otherwise.

MNS leaders stressed that Marathi, recognized as a classical language and central to Maharashtra’s cultural identity, must be preserved through education. They warned that ignoring it in central schools could weaken students’ cultural ties to the state.

Sandeep Pachange said, “If Marathi is not introduced in the upcoming academic year, we will launch a strong agitation.”