Karnataka Government Examines Tulu's Official Language Status Following Andhra Pradesh Study
The Karnataka government is actively considering a significant linguistic development: declaring Tulu as the state's second official language. This move follows a detailed examination of policies from other Indian states, particularly focusing on Andhra Pradesh's model for recognizing Urdu as an official language.
Minister's Legislative Announcement on Language Status
Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi informed the state legislature this week that the demand to grant Tulu official language status is under serious examination. The minister's statement came in response to a question raised by Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who represents Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district.
"The demand to declare Tulu as a second official language in the state, after Kannada, was under examination," Minister Tangadagi confirmed during the legislative session. He emphasized that the government is awaiting a comprehensive report from a committee specifically studying how other states have implemented multiple official language policies.
Andhra Pradesh Study Mission for Language Criteria
A dedicated study team recently conducted a fact-finding mission to Andhra Pradesh on January 19-20, 2026. Their primary objective was to review the specific criteria and processes followed by Andhra Pradesh when declaring Urdu as that state's second official language.
"The study team visited Andhra Pradesh to review the criteria followed for declaring Urdu as the second official language in the state of Andhra Pradesh," Minister Tangadagi explained. "The report of the study team will be reviewed after it is submitted."
Legal Framework and Previous Studies on Tulu Language
The government's current examination follows multiple layers of previous research and legal consultation. Last year, the law department advised that a thorough study of criteria used in various states for declaring second official languages should precede any decision regarding Tulu.
This recommendation led to the formation of the study team that visited Andhra Pradesh. The legal opinion referenced Article 345 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers state governments to declare official languages through proper committee formation and study processes.
Previously, a committee chaired by Dr. Mohan Alva conducted extensive research on Tulu language aspects including:
- Tulu literary heritage and historical significance
- Tulu script development and characteristics
- Ancient Tulu literature and inscriptions
- Modern Tulu literary culture and contemporary usage
This committee submitted its comprehensive report to the government on February 14, 2023, providing foundational research about the language spoken primarily in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada.
Constitutional Provisions and Administrative Considerations
The law department's opinion clarified the constitutional framework governing language policy in Karnataka. Currently, Kannada serves as the official administrative language, with English functioning as an additional administrative language for official purposes.
"Article 345 of the Constitution of India allows any state government to declare a language as the official language of that state," the law department noted in its opinion. "Before taking action, the states can form committees and obtain a report and then proceed."
The department further elaborated that the administration could potentially take action under Article 345 to declare Tulu as an official language, but only after appropriate committee studies regarding both the language itself and comparative practices in other states.
Path Forward for Tulu Language Recognition
The Karnataka government's approach demonstrates a methodical, research-based strategy for language policy decisions. By examining Andhra Pradesh's successful implementation of Urdu as a second official language, officials hope to develop appropriate criteria for Tulu's potential recognition.
This process represents a significant development for Tulu speakers and cultural preservation efforts in coastal Karnataka. The government's careful examination of constitutional provisions, previous research findings, and comparative state models suggests a comprehensive approach to this important linguistic and cultural decision.
As the study team's report from Andhra Pradesh becomes available and undergoes review, stakeholders await further developments in what could become a landmark decision for linguistic diversity in Karnataka.
