Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Karnataka Considers Tulu as Second Official Language
The Karnataka government is thinking about making Tulu an official language alongside Kannada.
Tulu is spoken in the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.
Many leaders from these areas want Tulu to be recognized.
The government is looking at how other states like West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh handle additional official languages.
They have sent officials to learn from Andhra Pradesh's experience with Urdu.
Once they have all the information, they will have a meeting with important leaders to make a decision.
Tulu has a long history and its own script, and it is even studied in other countries.
Many people support this idea, and it won't cost the government extra money.
Karnataka government is considering declaring Tulu as the second additional official language.
Tulu is predominantly spoken in the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.
Legislators from these districts, including Speaker U T Khader, have been demanding this recognition.
The government is studying measures adopted by West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh for additional official languages.
A committee of officials was sent to Andhra Pradesh to gather information on declaring Urdu as a second official language.
- Who
- Karnataka government, Minister Shivraj Tangadagi, legislators from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
- What
- Consideration to declare Tulu as the second additional official language
- When
- Announced on January 28, 2024
- Where
- Karnataka, India, specifically Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts
- Why
- Long-standing demand by legislators and no financial burden expected
Supporters of Tulu as Official Language
Opponents or Delayers of the Decision
Recognition of Tulu
Supporters of Tulu as Official Language
Supporters argue that Tulu has a rich history of over 3,000 years, its own script, and is recognized globally. They believe it deserves official language status.
Opponents or Delayers of the Decision
Opponents or those delaying the decision may argue that the process requires thorough consideration and study, hence the delay.
Financial Burden
Supporters of Tulu as Official Language
Supporters state that declaring Tulu as an official language does not impose any financial burden on the government.
Opponents or Delayers of the Decision
Those delaying the decision might need more time to assess the financial and administrative implications.
- Current Official Language
- Kannada
- Additional Language Used
- English
- Proposed Additional Language
- Tulu
- Tulu-Speaking Districts
- Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
- States Studied for Reference
- West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh
- Committee Formation
- Officials sent to Andhra Pradesh for information
- Legislators Supporting Tulu
- 13 legislators from Tulu-speaking districts
- Historical Significance of Tulu
- 3,000 years old with its own script
Sources
Karnataka open to making Tulu second additional official language: Minister
Demand to Declare Tulu as Karnataka’s Second Additional Language Raised in Assembly
Demand to declare Tulu as second additional language
Karnataka Assembly session extended till Feb 4
