Bangalore CM wants only Kannada to be used for state government files

 From November 1, administrative files put up to CM must be in Kannada or they will be denied from November 1, all state administrative files that come to the Chief Minister’s Office should be in Kannada. Sources in the CMO said that Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is keen that all administrative files other than those related to inter-state discusses, the Centre, the High Court and the Supreme Court should compulsorily be in Kannada.Asked if there will be a fresh circular to put up all files in Kannada, the source said that it is not on the CM’s mind. “There are already umpteen circulars and government orders suggesting mandatory use of Kannada in all administrative matters. There is no point in coming out with another circular,’’ he explained.

It seems contrary that Kumaraswamy, on one hand, is keen on starting government English medium-schools and on the other, is making Kannada mandatory for administrative use. But the CMO source said these are different situations.“Starting English medium schools should help children develop language skills needed to compete in the private sector. But making Kannada mandatory in administrative matters helps not only promote the native language but simplifies the process to a great extent by avoiding unnecessary official jargon,’’ the source said.Former Kannada Development Authority Chairman Mukyamantri Chandru while initiating the decision, however, expressed apprehension that unless the order is saved by law it might not be effective. 

“There have been a number of such orders and circulars issued by various departments in the past. But there has been zero implementation,’’ he said.Incidentally, Chandru was one of the key persons responsible for introducing Kannada display boards at the Kempegowda International Airport. His suggestion is that the CM, along with the Department of Kannada and Culture, should ask the Department of Law to formulate a piece of legislation to ensure that the order is strictly adhered to. “Unless otherwise there is a specific Act, it will be difficult to ensure implementation at all levels,’’ he said, while suggesting that files related to inter-state, Centre and top courts could also be prepared in Kannada in addition to English.