Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill 2024

The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled in the Karnataka Assembly, aims to reinforce the use of Kannada in the state. Key provisions include making 60% of the text in Kannada mandatory on name boards of business and industrial establishments, and defining “Kannadiga” as residents whose parents have lived in Karnataka for at least 15 years and can read and write Kannada. It seeks to incorporate Kannada in higher education, technical courses, and enforce reservation for Kannadigas in employment. The bill also introduces fines for non-compliance and proposes setting up an Official Language Commission for effective implementation at various administrative levels. The bill is an amendment to the existing Acts and is a significant step towards promoting the Kannada language and culture.