India, June 18 -- A Maharashtra government order saying "Hindi will generally be the third language in Marathi and English medium schools for Class 1 to 5" has kicked up a controversy in the state with opposition parties terming it as an indirect attempt for "Hindi imposition" in the state.

The government resolution (GR) issued by the school education department on Tuesday said, "According to the State Curriculum Plan, School Education 2024, Hindi will generally be the third language in Marathi and English medium schools for Class 1 to 5. If a student wants to learn any other Indian language, then he or she will be allowed to do so."

The order said the students in primary schools who do not want Hindi can opt for other languages provide...