Kerala, Jan 08, 2026 – A proposed language legislation in Kerala has drawn strong opposition from across the state border, with a Karnataka government body warning that it threatens the rights of Kannada-speaking communities in Kerala’s Kasaragod district.

The Karnataka Border Areas Development Authority (KBADA) has formally raised objections to the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, which seeks to make Malayalam the first language from Classes 1 to 10 in all government and private Kannada-medium schools in Kasaragod. According to KBADA, the Bill could disproportionately affect the district’s sizable Kannada-speaking population and undermine constitutional safeguards for linguistic minorities.

“The bill proposed by the Kerala government is wholly unconstitutional and is against the interests of the large number of Kannada-speaking linguistic minorities residing in Kasaragod district of Kerala,” a KBADA press release cited by PTI read.

Representation to Kerala Governor

A KBADA delegation recently met Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, submitting a memorandum requesting suspension of the Bill and a comprehensive review of its provisions. The authority reported that the governor assured them the legislation would be carefully examined before any decision is taken.

The delegation included senior officials and community representatives such as KBADA Secretary Prakash V Mattihalli, Subbaiahkatte, Tekkekere Shankaranarayana Bhat, Jayaprakash Narayana Tottetodu, Kerala Kasapa president Muralidhara Ballukarya, and Kerala State Teachers’ Association president Sukesh A.

Constitutional Concerns

KBADA argued that the Bill violates the rights of linguistic minorities protected under the Indian Constitution. It cited Articles 30, 347, 350, 350A, and 350B, which guarantee the preservation of minority languages and the right to receive education in a child’s mother tongue.

The authority also recalled that a similar proposal had been rejected by the President in 2017 and noted that the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs had previously advised Kerala to safeguard the interests of linguistic minorities in Kasaragod.

Further, KBADA emphasised that constitutional provisions require steps such as:

• Appointment of Kannada teachers in Kannada-medium schools
• Use of Kannada on signboards at police stations, railway stations, and national highways
• Incorporation of Kannada in official communications in public offices across Kasaragod

Academic and Social Impact

KBADA warned that making Malayalam the compulsory first language could put Kannada-speaking students at a disadvantage, particularly those unfamiliar with Malayalam. This could affect academic performance and limit future opportunities, especially for students pursuing higher education outside Kerala.

The authority also requested that the Kasaragod district collector’s committee hold bi-monthly meetings to regularly address issues concerning linguistic minorities in the district.

Governor’s Assurance

KBADA stated that Governor Arlekar assured them the Bill would be stalled for review and that the interests of Kannadigas in Kasaragod would be protected. The delegation expressed hope that constitutional safeguards would be respected, ensuring educational and cultural rights of the community.