Controversy over New Malayalam Language Bill

Controversy over New Malayalam Language Bill

Why in News? 

Recently, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has strongly opposed Kerala’s proposed Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, which mandates Malayalam as the primary language in Kannada-medium schools. This state-level legislation, passed by the Kerala Assembly in October 2025 and currently under review by the Kerala Governor. 

Provisions of the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025

• Official Language Status: The Bill declares Malayalam as the official language of the State of Kerala for all official purposes. This means all State government functions must use Malayalam by default.
• Use in Government Work: The Bill mandates the use of Malayalam in all departments of the State Government, local bodies, and public sector institutions. English can be used only where required by law or for communication with the Central Government.
• Alignment with Constitution: The Bill is aligned with the Official Languages Act, 1963 and constitutional articles on official language and linguistic rights.
• Translation of Laws: All state laws, rules, orders, and ordinances published in English must be translated into Malayalam within a prescribed time. Important Central and State Acts in English must also be translated into Malayalam.
• Compulsory Priority in Education: The Bill makes Malayalam the compulsory first language in all government and aided schools in Kerala up to Class 10. This is intended to ensure children learn the local language.
• Language in Commerce and Public Communication: Malayalam will be used in public communication, signage, and commerce across the State. This includes requirements for labels, public notices, and government communication to be in Malayalam.
• Language Technology and Digital Use: The Bill proposes support for the development of IT and digital tools in Malayalam. This includes open-source software, language fonts, and digital platforms to expand use of Malayalam in technology.
• Malayalam Language Development: The Bill plans to rename the government’s language department to focus on Malayalam Language Development. It also proposes the establishment of a Malayalam Language Development Directorate to oversee implementation.
• Minority Language Safeguards: The Bill includes a non-obstante clause to safeguard the rights of linguistic minorities. It allows Tamil and Kannada speakers in notified areas to use their languages for official correspondence and have replies in the same languages.
• Choice in Education for Non-Malayalam Students: Students whose mother tongue is not Malayalam (such as those from other states or countries) are free to choose languages offered under the National Education Curriculum. They are not forced to appear for Malayalam exams at higher levels.

Debate over Malayalam Language Bill

• Linguistic Minority Rights: Many leaders in Karnataka argue that the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 infringes on the rights of linguistic minorities. They claim making Malayalam the compulsory first language in schools will violate the right of Kannada-speaking students to learn in their mother tongue. 

• Border District Issues: Critics point to Kasaragod and Manjeshwar, areas bordering Karnataka, where Kannada is a significant language. They argue that generations of students in those regions have learned primarily in Kannada-medium schools. 

• Malayalam Seen as Imposition: Opposition leaders describe the Bill’s clause on compulsory Malayalam as an “imposition” and coercive. They argue that it forces students to prioritise Malayalam even where Kannada is part of local life and culture.

• Constitutional Concerns: Karnataka’s Chief Minister has said the Bill contradicts constitutional protections for linguistic minorities. He cited Articles 29, 30, 350A and 350B that protect the rights of communities to conserve their language and receive instruction in their mother tongue. 

• Cultural and Identity: Opponents of the Bill insist that language is tied to identity, dignity, and access. They argue that the policy will erode the cultural relevance of Kannada in border areas and fail to respect existing multilingual traditions.

Similar Controversy over VB-G RAM G Bill

• The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Grameen (VB-G RAM G), 2025 replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which was widely known and used for twenty years. 
• The removal of Mahatma Gandhi from the title and the new acronym sparked strong language and identity objections from several states. Leaders from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal have argued over the bill for its Hindi-centric name, which they claim is difficult to pronounce.
• Tamil Nadu politicians said the new name uses Hindi and Sanskrit words that are unfamiliar in the region. They argued that a law affecting all rural workers should carry a neutral and simple name, not a language that many people find difficult to pronounce.
• In West Bengal, the state government responded to the controversy by renaming its own rural job guarantee scheme as “Mahatma Shree”. This move highlighted political and cultural resistance to the VB-G RAM G naming choice. The West Bengal action reflected a local assertion of identity in response to the central name change.
• Opposition leaders, including Congress figures, strongly criticize the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the rural employment law. They argue Gandhi’s name carried moral weight and symbolised rights-based social welfare. They say replacing it undermines the legacy of a law that was historically linked to rural dignity and poverty alleviation.
• Beyond language, the bill shifts the funding model from 100% central allocation for wages to a 60:40 center-state split, which states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu argue will place a massive financial burden on state exchequers (estimated at ₹1,600 to ₹3,500 crore for Kerala alone).