KASARAGOD / BENGALURU – A fresh linguistic dispute has erupted between Kerala and Karnataka over the proposed Malayalam Language Bill, 2025. The Karnataka Border Areas Development Authority (KBADA) has formally registered its opposition, claiming the legislation would “undermine the education and cultural rights” of thousands of Kannada-speaking residents in Kerala’s northernmost district, Kasaragod.
The controversy centers on a mandate within the bill that requires Malayalam to be taught as the first language from Classes 1 to 10 in all educational institutions—including private and government-run Kannada-medium schools.
The Governor’s Intervention
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, a high-level KBADA delegation met with Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to submit a formal memorandum. The delegation, led by KBADA Secretary Prakash V Mattihalli, sought an immediate suspension and a comprehensive review of the legislation.
According to a press release by the authority, Governor Arlekar has assured the delegation that the Bill will be carefully examined before any final decision is taken, effectively stalling its implementation for the time being.
Constitutional Safeguards at Stake
The KBADA has labeled the Bill “wholly unconstitutional.” Their argument rests on several key articles of the Indian Constitution designed to protect the rights of linguistic minorities:
- Article 30: Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
- Article 350A: Instructions to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education.
- Articles 347, 350, and 350B: Provisions for the special officer for linguistic minorities and the use of minority languages in official state communications.
The authority reminded the Kerala government that a similar attempt to impose Malayalam as a compulsory first language was rejected by the President of India in 2017. They further noted that the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has previously cautioned Kerala to actively protect the interests of the Kannada-speaking community in the border region.
The Impact on Kasaragod Students
The primary fear cited by the delegation is the “academic disadvantage” faced by students who do not speak Malayalam at home. Compelling them to treat Malayalam as their primary language could lead to:
- A decline in overall academic performance.
- Increased dropout rates among minority communities.
- Difficulties in pursuing higher education or employment in Karnataka later in life.
Key Demands for Linguistic Inclusion
Beyond stalling the Bill, the KBADA and the Kerala Kasapa (Kannada Sahitya Parishat) have demanded a series of corrective measures in Kasaragod:
| Requirement | Description |
| Teaching Staff | Immediate appointment of qualified Kannada teachers in all border schools. |
| Public Signage | Use of Kannada on signboards at police stations, national highways, and railway stations. |
| Official Communication | Resuming the use of Kannada for official government documents and circulars in minority-heavy blocks. |
| Grievance Redressal | Bi-monthly mandatory meetings by the Kasaragod District Collector’s committee to address minority issues. |
The delegation included prominent voices such as Tekkekere Shankaranarayana Bhat, Kerala Kasapa President Muralidhara Ballukarya, and Kerala State Teachers’ Association President Sukesh A.