Tulu Gets Additional Official Language Status in Karnataka

NEWS CONTENT ENGLISH

Why in News?

• The Karnataka Cabinet, at its meeting held in Mangaluru on September 18, 2026, decided to accord Tulu the status of the state’s second additional official language for administrative purposes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. 

• The decision addresses a long-standing demand for greater official recognition of Tulu in coastal Karnataka. The government has proposed an annual allocation of ₹82 lakh for translation, training and other activities related to the use of Tulu. 

 Constitutional and legal context

• Article 345 of the Constitution allows a State Legislature to adopt one or more languages in use in the State, or Hindi, as the language or languages for all or any official purposes of the State. 

• Karnataka’s official language framework has historically provided for Kannada as the official language. Therefore, the detailed implementation of the Cabinet decision will depend on the applicable state legal and administrative procedure. 

Status of Tulu

• Tulu is a Dravidian language primarily associated with the coastal Karnataka region and adjoining areas of Kerala. The Census of India treats Tulu separately among non-scheduled languages. According to Census 2011 data, 18,46,427 people returned Tulu as their mother tongue, including 18,41,963 who returned Tulu specifically. Tulu is not included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. 

   

Academic presence

• Tulu has been offered as an optional language in schools in parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Mangalore University had also introduced a postgraduate programme in Tulu, although the programme was later discontinued because of low enrolment.

Significance

• The decision gives Tulu a greater role in district-level administration and provides institutional support for its preservation and wider official use. It also highlights India’s linguistic diversity and the constitutional framework that allows States to recognise languages for official purposes.

   

MCQ English

Q1. Which state has recently granted Tulu additional official language status for administrative purposes?

(A) Kerala

(B) Karnataka

(C) Tamil Nadu

(D) Andhra Pradesh

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Karnataka Cabinet decided to grant Tulu additional official language status in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Q2. In which two districts of Karnataka will the additional official status of Tulu primarilyapply?

(A) Mysuru and Kodagu

(B) Bengaluru and Tumakuru

(C) Dakshina Kannada and Udupi

(D) Shivamogga and Hassan

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The decision applies to administrative purposes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. 

Q3. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the official language or languages of a State?

(A) Article 343

(B) Article 345

(C) Article 348

(D) Article 351

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Article 345 empowers a State Legislature to adopt one or more languages for official purposes of the State.