Law dept advise sought on official language status to Tulu, Kodava & Lambani Languages

Bengaluru: The Law Department has been asked for its opinion on making Tulu the second official language of Karnataka, and further steps will be taken once the department’s report is received, stated Minister Priyank Kharge told the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

There is also a demand for similar recognition for Kodava and Lambani languages. The government will take steps based on the Law Department’s opinion on all three languages, he added.

In the Assembly on Tuesday, Congress member Ashok Rai highlighted that Tulu has a history of 2,000 years, and the Karnataka Tulu Academy was established in 1994, followed by a similar academy in Kerala. Google includes Tulu among the 110 languages available for translation.

States like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal have made two or three languages their official languages. A group of legislators visited Bihar and West Bengal at their own expense, studied the implementation, and submitted a report. Karnataka should recognize Tulu in the same manner, he urged.

“We have raised the issue of making Tulu an official language many times. A committee led by Dr. Mohan Alva also submitted a report, which should be implemented appropriately. This should be done while U.T. Khader is the Speaker,” said Mangaluru City MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath.

“Everyone loves the Tulu language, but making it a state language requires willpower, which this government should demonstrate,” said Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole.