June 27, 2025 — The Karnataka government has issued a new directive mandating the use of Kannada in all official communications across state government departments. The order, effective immediately, aims to strengthen the use of the regional language in governance and ensure its prominence in administrative affairs.
The circular, released earlier this week, instructs all government offices, boards, and agencies under the state to carry out internal and external correspondence—such as notices, memos, circulars, and reports—strictly in Kannada. The directive also emphasizes that bilingual communication will be permitted only in cases involving central government departments or interactions with individuals who do not speak Kannada.
This decision is in line with the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, which seeks to promote Kannada as the language of administration within the state. Karnataka’s Chief Secretary, Rajneesh Goel, has directed department heads to implement the order without exception, warning of potential disciplinary action in cases of non-compliance.
Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to uphold the linguistic identity of Karnataka. “This step is essential to preserve the pride and cultural roots of the Kannada-speaking population. Kannada must be at the heart of administrative work,” he said.
To support the transition, the state government plans to roll out language training programs for staff, along with digital tools and translation support. Departments that are currently dependent on English for documentation will be provided with additional resources to ensure a smooth adaptation to the new policy.
The move has received widespread support from Kannada language advocacy groups, who have long urged the government to prioritize the regional language in official matters. Organizations such as the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike welcomed the decision, calling it a long-overdue recognition of Kannada’s importance in governance.
However, there has also been some criticism, with concerns raised over the potential difficulties faced by non-Kannada-speaking officials and citizens. Experts have highlighted the need for balanced implementation to avoid disruptions in administrative functioning.
Similar initiatives have been witnessed in other Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, where regional languages are being increasingly emphasized in government operations as a response to concerns over linguistic centralization.
With this directive, Karnataka reinforces its commitment to linguistic heritage and sets an example for regional language empowerment in public administration.
