Language Row: The language controversy in southern states shows no signs of abating, as after a long-standing row over alleged Hindi imposition on the southern states, Kerala and Karnataka have locked horns over the former's decision to make Malayalam the compulsory first language in schools located in border areas with Karnataka.
The Kerala government seeks to make Malayalam compulsory from class 1 to 10 through the proposed provision under the Malayalam Language Bill-2025. The development is expected to cause inconvenience for districts with Kannada-speaking students, particularly in the Kasaragod district.
The Karnataka government has reacted critically to the decision, as it came amid the backlash against what has been called the imposition of Hindi by the Centre.
Criticising the neigbouring state’s move, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah made a post on X, stating, "For children of linguistic minorities, language is not a "subject" alone, it is identity, dignity, access and opportunity... If this Bill is passed, Karnataka will do everything to oppose it, using all the rights granted by our Constitution".
He further elaborated on the increased pressure on students if the state enforces a different language as the first language. He said, it ‘burdens students... disrupts academic progression and confidence’.
He also asked the Kerala government to withdraw the ‘coercive approach’, saying, "Kerala has every right to promote Malayalam with pride. Karnataka does the same for Kannada which is our heartbeat and our identity. But promotion cannot become an imposition".
Karnataka Body Raises Concern With Kerala Governor
The Karnataka Border Area Development Authority has raised the issue with Kerala Governor during a representation submitted on January 7, terming the bill unconstitutional as it declares that the move will adversely affect Kannada-speaking students in border districts.
Officials highlighted that Kasaragod is a Kannada linguistic facilitation region, where students traditionally study Kannada as their first language and choose Hindi, Sanskrit, or Urdu as second languages.
It is argued that enforcing Malayalam on students as their first language will hamper students’ academic prospects, particularly if they decide to pursue higher studies outside Kerala.
The Karnataka Border Area Development Authority emphasised that it will continue to pursue the matter to protect the language, culture, and educational rights of border-area Kannadigas.