Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has expressed appreciation for the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) move to introduce Maithili language in the curriculum starting from the academic year 2026-27. Choudhary described this step as a significant one that would enhance the recognition of Mithila’s cultural heritage and native language in the education system.
The Chief Minister emphasized that incorporating Maithili as a mother-tongue subject from Class 1 to the secondary level is a moment of pride for the cultural and linguistic identity of the Mithila region. He also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in promoting Indian languages, culture, and traditions through educational reforms and policies.
Choudhary highlighted that the inclusion of Maithili not only strengthens the language’s identity and prestige but also ensures that future generations stay connected to their linguistic and cultural origins. The decision follows a communication dated May 19 from Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary’s office to Darbhanga MP Gopal Ji Thakur regarding the incorporation of Maithili in the CBSE curriculum.
Gopal Ji Thakur had previously urged the Union Education Ministry to include Maithili as a subject in CBSE schools. In response, Jayant Chaudhary mentioned that the matter was reviewed in consultation with the National Council of Educational Research and Training. He noted that this move aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020, which advocates for the use of students’ mother tongues as the medium of instruction up to Class 5 and, where feasible, up to Class 8.
The minister further pointed out that Maithili is among the 22 languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He also mentioned that NCERT has developed primers in 121 Indian languages, including Maithili, and is translating textbooks into all 22 scheduled languages. As per the communication, CBSE has officially included Maithili in the secondary-level curriculum starting from the 2026-27 academic session, with the syllabus already accessible on the CBSE academic portal.
