The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) Chairman, T.S. Nagabharana, has strongly condemned the practice of fining students for speaking Kannada in private schools, calling it a serious offence. He stated that such actions are unacceptable and will be dealt with strictly under the law.
KDA Chief's Strong Warning
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Nagabharana emphasized that imposing fines on students for using their mother tongue is a violation of their fundamental rights. He said, "Fining students for speaking Kannada is a punishable offence. We will not tolerate any institution that demeans our language." The KDA chief urged parents and students to report such incidents to the authority for immediate action.
Legal Implications
Nagabharana highlighted that the Karnataka Education Act and the Kannada Language Development Act provide clear provisions against discrimination based on language. He warned that schools found guilty of such practices could face legal consequences, including revocation of their recognition. The KDA will also conduct surprise inspections to ensure compliance.
The issue came to light after reports emerged from several private schools in Bengaluru where students were fined small amounts for speaking Kannada on campus. This has sparked outrage among Kannada activists and parents, who argue that it undermines the cultural identity of the state.
Call for Awareness
The KDA chairman called for a collective effort to promote Kannada. He said, "Kannada is not just a language; it is our pride. Schools must encourage bilingualism without penalizing students for using their mother tongue." He also urged educational institutions to create a conducive environment for learning Kannada alongside other languages.
Nagabharana assured that the KDA will work closely with the Department of Education to ensure that no child is humiliated or punished for speaking Kannada. He added that a helpline will be set up for students and parents to lodge complaints anonymously.
