The Karnataka government will soon mandate all multinational companies operating in the state to prominently display the number and percentage of Kannadigas employed by them at their offices. This move comes as part of bolstering the status of the local language under the provisions of the amended Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act.
Announcing this in the Legislative Council, Kannada & Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi said displaying employment metrics will enable public scrutiny and encourage hiring more Kannadigas to meet local aspirations. The law already makes 60% Kannada signage compulsory.
Judiciary, Biz Interface in Focus Too
Besides pushing private players’ localization via headcount disclosures, efforts are underway to strengthen usage of Kannada in delivering court judgements, with lawyers also being motivated to argue cases in the state tongue.
Authorities are also developing a mobile app for public grievance redressal if Kannada language primacy is undermined anywhere. Suggestions have emanated to include civil society representatives in enforcement machinery for rigorous compliance across touchpoints.
Pro-Kannada Activism Still Sensitive
However, the government treaded cautiously on demands like withdrawal of lawsuits against pro-Kannada activists or inducting firebrand leader Vatal Nagaraj into the state’s apex language committee – both deemed as sensitive matters warranting more deliberation.
But overwhelmingly, a multi-pronged approach gets backing to ensure Kannada penetrates new domains as part of preserving socio-cultural heritage while harnessing globalization’s benefits. Private players’ staff localization is crucial to this balance.
