Congress govt recognizes Tulu as second additional administrative language in Karnataka
Move comes amid state’s opposition to Hindi imposition and efforts to protect regional linguistic identity
Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka has approved Tulu as the state’s second additional administrative language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Tulu-speaking community and underscoring the state’s emphasis on regional linguistic identity amid its opposition to Hindi imposition.
The decision was taken at the Karnataka Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru on Friday, chaired by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The move allows Tulu to be used alongside Kannada for administrative purposes in the two districts; it does not replace Tulu as the state’s principal official language or make Tulu a statewide administrative language.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Shivakumar said the government had considered representations from Tulu-speaking organizations, public representatives and members of the public seeking official recognition for the language. The government had also examined recommendations and reports from experts and officials before approving the proposal.
The government said Tulu has a distinct educational and cultural identity and a long literary and cultural history. The Dravidian language is primarily spoken in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, with speakers also found in neighbouring areas.
Shivakumar said a committee headed by Dr M. Mohan Alva had submitted recommendations to the government regarding official recognition for Tulu. Based on the recommendations, the Cabinet approved the use of Tulu alongside Kannada for administrative and official government purposes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The respective district administrations will serve as nodal agencies for implementing the decision.
The state government will allocate Rs 82 lakh annually for translation, training and other activities connected with the use and promotion of Tulu, according to reports on the Cabinet decision.
Kannada remains Karnataka’s principal official language. The state government has also maintained its opposition to the compulsory imposition of Hindi, particularly in education and administration, reflecting a long-running linguistic debate in the state.
The Karnataka government follows a two-language formula in state education, focusing on Kannada and English, while rejecting the compulsory inclusion of Hindi as a third language. The state leadership has repeatedly maintained that it will not accept any form of Hindi imposition by the BJP-led Indian government.
Pro-Kannada organizations, local authorities and sections of civil society have also opposed the use of Hindi over regional languages in public-sector banks, post offices, transport networks and other public services, citing concerns about the protection and promotion of the state’s linguistic and cultural identity.
