Context

Speakers of Tulu and Kodava have opposed the draft of the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Bill, 2022, which aims to ensure the “extensive use and propagation” of the Kannada language.

Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Bill, 2022

• R. Bannurmath-headed committee prepared the draft of the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Bill, 2022.
• The Bill only gives importance to Kannada and to the use of English for administrative purposes like communication with the Union government or in courts etc.
• There is no mention of Kodava and Tulu in the bill.
• The Bill provides for penalties for violations of rules, with fines prescribed for various offenses.

Protection of Local Languages under the constitution and other provisions

• Articles 347: President may direct that such language shall also be officially recognized throughout that State or any part if he is satisfied that the language is spoken by a substantial proportion of the population of a State.
• Articles 350: Every person shall be entitled to submit a representation for the redress of any grievance to any officer or authority of the Union or a State in any of the languages used in the Union or in the State.
• Articles 350A: State to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.
• Articles 350B: There shall be a Special Officer for linguistic minorities to be appointed by the President. It shall be the duty of the Special Officer to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities.