In Karnataka, the preservation and promotion of Kannada language and culture stand as paramount objectives, deeply rooted in the state’s rich heritage. Recent legislative amendments and institutional initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to safeguarding Kannada identity and fostering linguistic pride among Kannadigas.

In recent times, the state government of Karnataka has shown intent in strict implementation of the tenets of Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, which is further entrenched by their latest action on notifying the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Act, 2024 on 26 February 2024. The amendment mandates that establishments display 60% of the content in Kannada, particularly emphasizing its presence in the upper half of name boards. This legislative move underscores efforts to prioritize Kannada language usage in public and commercial spaces across Karnataka.

Quick modification of an already new legal position within the state is indicative of the fast and affirmative stance taken by the Karnataka government for cultural and linguistic preservation, as is indicated by the percolation of the policies around the Kannada Cell and the Kannada Kalika Ghataka.

Empowering Kannada: Obligations and Establishments Leading the Way

This 2024-amendment calls for Public attention and discourse into the key features of Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Act, 2022. Similarly, the proposed Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Bill, 2022 aims to further promote and implement Kannada as Karnataka’s official language. Some salient tenets of the Act are outlined below:

• Kannada language mandated for use in legislation, including Bills, Acts, orders, rules, or regulations. Existing English legislation translated into Kannada upon signing by the Governor. District Courts, Trial Courts, and Tribunals to conduct proceedings and pronounce judgments in Kannada.
• Private industries required to reserve seats for Kannadigas for tax benefits. Kannadigas defined as individuals residing in Karnataka for 15 years and proficient in Kannada. Public employment seekers must pass Kannada language examination by Karnataka Public Service Commission, with exemptions for SSLC holders in Kannada.
• Seats reserved in higher education for students from Kannada medium schooling. Functional Kannada taught in higher education; basic Kannada provided for university students without Kannada at SSLC level.
• Industrial and consumer products in Karnataka to specify names and directions in Kannada. Certain industries mandated to establish Kannada Cells and teaching units for non-Kannada speaking employees, including state and central government-owned, PSUs, banks, and private industries with over 100 employees.
• Enforcement Authority, Committees at state, district, and taluka levels to implement provisions. Enforcement Officer to ensure compliance in government departments, local authorities, and industries. Official Language body with four members to oversee enforcement for a five-year term.
• Directorate of Kannada and Culture doubles as the Directorate of Enforcement of Official Language.

By enforcing these obligations, the legislation reinforces Karnataka’s linguistic identity and promotes cultural inclusivity.

Kannada Cells: Empowering Language

The Kannada Cell plays a crucial role in safeguarding the linguistic rights of Kannada speakers and preserving the cultural identity of Karnataka.

The Bill sets forth specific mandates for businesses and imposes penalties for non-compliance of the obligations imposed by the new amendment. The mandate for certain industries, including state-owned entities, private enterprises, banks, and PSUs, with more than 100 employees to establish Kannada Cells within their organizations, which underscores a proactive effort to embed Kannada language within workplace environments. They may facilitate the translation of documents, communication in Kannada, and other initiatives aimed at integrating Kannada into the workplace environment.

Additionally, these industries are required to set up Kannada teaching units to provide language training for non-Kannada speaking employees. This ensures that all employees have the opportunity to learn and communicate in Kannada effectively.

By requiring these entities to promote Kannada usage, the legislation aims to cultivate a culture of linguistic inclusivity and reinforce the significance of Kannada in Karnataka’s socio-economic landscape.

However, challenges regarding regulatory authority may arise, particularly concerning central PSUs. While the state legislature mandates these requirements, its jurisdiction over central PSUs may be limited. Thus, effective implementation necessitates collaborative efforts between state and central
authorities to navigate regulatory complexities and ensure consistent promotion of Kannada language across all sectors. Such collaboration is essential to realize the broader objective of fostering linguistic diversity and inclusivity in Karnataka’s workplaces.

Kannada Kalika Ghataka: Enriching Culture

One of the key initiatives supported by the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, is the Kannada Kalika Ghataka. The mandate for certain industries, including state-owned entities, private enterprises, banks, and PSUs, with more than 100 employees to establish Kannada Kalika Ghataka within their organizations. This repository of Kannada literature and cultural artifacts serves as a treasure trove for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in exploring Karnataka’s rich literary heritage.

It offers:

• Access to a vast collection of Kannada literary works, manuscripts, and documents spanning various periods and genres.
• Resources forresearch, education, and cultural exchange, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kannada language and literature.
• Opportunities forthe preservation and digitization of rare and valuable Kannada texts, ensuring their accessibility to future generations.

By supporting initiatives like the Kannada Kalika Ghataka, the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, underscores the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Kannada language and culture.

Concluding Remarks

Karnataka’s recent legislative amendments and cultural initiatives underscore a profound commitment to preserving and promoting the Kannada language and culture. Through measures like establishing Kannada Cells and supporting institutions like the Kannada Kalika Ghataka, the state is actively fostering
linguistic pride and cultural heritage. These initiatives signify a collective effort to elevate Kannada within public and commercial spheres, ensuring its continued vitality and relevance in the modern world. By prioritizing Kannada language usage and supporting cultural repositories, Karnataka is nurturing a thriving linguistic and cultural ecosystem for future generations.

As Karnataka continues on this path of linguistic and cultural preservation, it not only safeguards its heritage but also strengthens its identity and sense of belonging for Kannadigas across the state.

What are your views on this initiative to preserve and promote Kannada language and culture in Karnataka?