'No Kannada, No Business' — Sidda Govt's Mandate Amid Language Row In Karnataka

In circular issued on February 15, Karnataka government emphasised that the directive to mandatorily use Kannada for industrial and consumer products applies to both public and private manufacturers.

The circular highlighted that for Kannada to thrive, business activities, including production and marketing, should actively incorporate the language.

Source : Facebook

In a move to promote Kannada language and ensure its widespread use, Karnataka government has issued a directive requiring all industrial and consumer products manufactured in the state to display their names and usage instructions in Kannada, alongside other languages. In a circular issued on February 15, the government emphasised that the directive applies to both public and private sector manufacturers. 

Kannada In Commercial, Industrial Spaces

The circular emphasised the importance of language in reflecting the culture, tradition, and values of the land.

According to the circular, as per IANS, "The language reflects the land's culture and traditions. It is essential for the growth of a language that the manufacturing, market and transactions should be conducted in local language. The Karnataka government has brought the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, on March 12, 2024."

"...It is hereby directed that the names and instructions for use must be compulsorily printed in Kannada along with other languages on all industrial and consumer products manufactured in the government and private sectors within the state," the circular stated.

The enforcement of this directive falls under the purview of officials designated under Section 9 of the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022. These officials are tasked with ensuring that all manufacturers adhere to the guidelines, as per a report on PTI.

It highlighted that for Kannada to thrive, business activities, including production and marketing, should actively incorporate the language.

To promote Kannada and improve the employment opportunities for Kannadigas, the government implemented the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, effective from March 12, 2024. Section 17(7) of the Act mandates that the names and usage instructions of all products manufactured and sold within Karnataka must be printed in Kannada, along with any other language, if applicable.