Kerala CM responds to Kannada minority row, says Malayalam Bill does not impose language

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued a clarification on the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, stating that the legislation does not impose Malayalam and fully safeguards the rights of linguistic minorities. The clarification comes after concerns were raised by Karnataka-based bodies over its impact on Kannada-speaking linguistic minorities in Kasaragod district.

On Wednesday, a delegation of the Karnataka Border Areas Development Authority (KBADA) met the Governor and submitted a memorandum seeking to stall and reconsider the Bill. They alleged that the legislation mandates Malayalam as the first language for classes 1 to 10 in all government and private Kannada-medium schools in Kasaragod district. They also said that the Kerala Governor had promised a “thorough review” of the Bill.

Malayalam Bill does 'not violate' language rights

Responding to the apprehensions, Kerala CM said the law does not impose Malayalam or dilute linguistic rights.

“The Bill contains a clear and unambiguous non-obstante clause (Clause 7) to safeguard the rights of linguistic minorities, particularly the Kannada and Tamil speaking communities,” he said.

“Key provisions ensure that no language is imposed and linguistic freedom is fully protected. In notified areas, Tamil and Kannada speakers may continue to use their mother tongues for official correspondence with the Secretariat, Heads of Departments, and local offices, with replies issued in the same languages,” he added.

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Malayalam exams not mandatory

The chief minister further clarified that students whose mother tongue is not Malayalam are free to choose languages available under the National Education Curriculum. Students from other states or foreign countries are not compelled to appear for Malayalam examinations at the Class 9, 10, or higher secondary levels.

The KBADA, however, termed the Bill “wholly unconstitutional” and violates the rights under Articles 30, 347, 350, 350A and 350B of the Constitution, which provide safeguards for linguistic minorities.

Replying to this, Pinarayi Vijayan said: “Kerala’s language policy is fully aligned with the Official Languages Act, 1963, and Articles 346 and 347 of the Constitution of India. India’s diversity is to be celebrated, not forced into a single mould.”

“Built on the Kerala Model of participation and transparency, our Government resists any erosion of federal rights while remaining equally committed to protecting the linguistic identity of every citizen,” his X post read.