Shivamogga: Purushottam Bilimale, Chairman of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA), emphasized the need for a uniform language policy across India, urging the Centre to adopt a model that benefits all states. Speaking after a meeting with Kannada organizations and government officials, Bilimale pointed out the disparity between the two-language policy of Tamil Nadu and the three-language policy in Karnataka. He argued that Karnataka has faced more disadvantages with the current three-language system and recommended a shift to a two-language policy to enhance the promotion of Kannada.
Bilimale shared that the Centre plans to issue an order in the coming months, mandating CBSE and ICSE schools in Karnataka to teach Kannada as a regional language. Discussions on this directive have already been held with central ministers. He also announced the establishment of a Kannada Study Chair at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in June and proposed that the state government allocate Rs 10 crore in the upcoming budget to support Kannada chairs in universities across India and abroad.
On the educational front, Bilimale revealed that Kannada is being taught to 600 Malayalis and other non-Kannadigas in Bengaluru through 30 learning centres, with plans to increase the number of centres to 100. He highlighted the need for non-Kannadigas, especially those working in hotels and construction, to be upskilled and called for better representation of Kannadigas in industries, particularly in C and D group recruitments.
Additionally, Bilimale criticized the lack of full Kannada representation on name boards in commercial areas and highways and urged authorities to ensure 100% compliance. He also raised concerns about the decreasing number of Kannada schools and students, calling the neglect of Kannada unacceptable.
Finally, Bilimale urged the district administration to propose the revival of the Sahyadri Utsav, a festival celebrating local language, culture, and traditions, to the government.
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