"Don't Force Malayalam In Kannada Schools": Siddaramaiah Writes To Kerala CM

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday expressing serious concern over his government’s proposed Malayalam Language Bill, which mandates Malayalam as the compulsory first language even in Kannada-medium schools in Kerala especially Kasargod sharing border with Karnataka.

Considering the proposal Bill a threat to the existence of Kannada schools in Kerala particularly in Kasargod, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cautioned Pinarayi Vijayan to exercise every Constitutional right available to oppose the Bill if it is passed.

“I urge the Government of Kerala to reconsider the proposed approach and engage in a broader, inclusive dialogue with linguistic minority communities, educators and neighbouring States. Such an engagement will reinforce India’s unity while preserving the dignity of every language and every citizen,” said the Karnataka Chief Minister in the letter.

Siddaramaiah pointed out to Pinarayi Vijayan to the Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution which guarantee the right to conserve language and administer educational institutions of choice. Further, Karnataka Chief Minister stated Article 350A mandates facilities for instruction in the mother tongue and Article 350B entrusts the State with safeguarding minority linguistic interests.

“Any legislative measure must reflect not only Constitutional legality but Constitutional morality,” Siddaramaiah said and he stated “Any policy that compels a single linguistic pathway risks placing an undue burden on children, weakening minority-run educational institutions and unsettling long-standing educational ecosystems that have served these communities," he said.

Siddaramaiah told Pinarayi Vijayan Kasragod of Kerala shares its border with Karnataka where people of Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, Beary and other languages have lived harmoniously and are living examples of mutual coexistence.