On 21 February 2024, Shivaraj S Tangadagi, minister of Kannada and culture, Karnataka, announced that the state government would request multinational corporations (MNCs) operating within Karnataka to disclose the number of Kannadigas they employ.
The Ministry is considering making details about the employment of Kannadigas in industries and MNCs public. Discussions are ongoing, and regulations will be established accordingly.
A committee has been established to handle the matter, with participation from secretaries of various departments and input from MLAs.
Recently, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a bill stating that 60 per cent of signboard space in businesses must be in Kannada, with Kannada information placed in the upper half. Not adhering to this requirement may result in licence being revoked and fines being imposed.
To address violations effectively, an app has been created to report incidents, enabling officials to respond promptly and levy fines as necessary. It’s still compulsory for schools to sing the Karnataka state anthem.
Overall, these measures aim to promote the extensive use of Kannada in public spaces and ensure compliance with linguistic regulations in Karnataka.
In September 2023, the Government of Karnataka announced that it was considering a proposal to require a Kannada language test for job applicants and students seeking admission to educational institutions. If put into action, this initiative would prioritise locals, aiming to boost job opportunities for Kannada speakers and improve communication between employers and residents. It would essentially function as a quota system for state residents.
