The movement to mandate learning of the dominant official
language of states as a compulsory subject has acquired momentum
again. In 2017, West Bengal, Karnataka and Telangana took measures
to make learning of their official vernacular language in all
private schools compulsory irrespective of the boards with which
schools are affiliated. Similarly, Punjab and Maharashtra also seem
geared to ensure it is compulsorily taught in all schools in their
respective states.
This seems to be a growing trend. While some states want the
medium of instruction to be the dominant/official state language,
other relatively more progressive states want it to be taught as
another subject. In either case, the states justify this as an
attempt to preserve and promote their cultural heritage. While the
pros and cons of these fiats including the political pulls and
pushes behind them can be debated, the moot point is whether state
governments can legally mandate all schools in their
