According to MSBSHSE Secretary Basanti Roy, the move has been initiated on an experimental basis. “We will assess the response and then decide whether to extend this provision to other regional medium schools.”

SS Wahmare, principal of Saraswati Vidyamandir, Mahim, that has both English and Marathi sections, said, “Till now, not one student from either of the sections has approached me. I do not see a great demand for this new regulation. I have still to take a parents’ meeting regarding this matter.” According to Wahmare, a student’s family background will play an important role in deciding whether to switch mediums.

“There may be English medium students who would want to opt for Marathi language so that they have an equal hold on both Marathi as well as English. It will also help in promoting Marathi language. For Marathi medium students, studying in English language in standard X could help them cope with studies in college. It would help them make a smoother transition to college where the medium of instruction is English,” said Roy.

However, lack of qualified teachers is a common grouse amongst most city school principals. “It will be difficult to look for teachers who can teach higher-level English. Besides, I am not sure how many English students would take up Marathi as their first language. I do not think it is going to be of much help to the students,” said K Shirkande, principal of Vidyabhavan Marathi medium school, Ghatkopar.

However, Education Minister Vasant Purke said, “It will definitely help in promoting Marathi language. There is no reason to believe that English medium students will not take up Marathi. Students of both English and Marathi medium will benefit.”

Parle Tilak Marathi Medium Secondary School Principal GA Karade admitted that since the past few years, ‘brighter’ students were increasingly preferring English medium schools. “I do not think this will be beneficial to our students because Marathi medium students are barely able to pass in their English language papers. In this scenario, how can they opt for English for writing their X board exams?”

Roy, however, differs from their opinions, “When in college, it will help to bridge the gap between Marathi and English medium students.”

Grasping power of students is widely considered as an important issue by academicians. “I do understand that the board does not want regional medium students to be left behind in the competition. But I believe switching mediums will only complicate matters for the students,” said Karade.