Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reignited discussions about language policy and federal funding, accusing the central government of neglecting Indian languages other than Hindi and Sanskrit. Speaking in Bengaluru on November 1, the occasion of the 70th Karnataka Rajyotsava (Karnataka Formation Day), Siddaramaiah urged citizens to resist any forces considered “anti-Kannada.” He asserted that Karnataka, a significant contributor to the national exchequer with ₹4.5 lakh crore in revenue, is not receiving its equitable share of funds for development.
The Chief Minister emphasized the perceived unfair treatment of the Kannada language, stating, “There are continuous attempts to impose Hindi. Grants are given for the development of Hindi and Sanskrit, while other languages of the country are being neglected.” He further elaborated that Karnataka faces a shortage of necessary development funds, lamenting that “Injustice is being done to the classical language Kannada by denying adequate funds for its growth.”
Siddaramaiah’s remarks come amidst a broader debate on language imposition and regional rights. He reiterated his stance against the perceived “step-motherly treatment” of Karnataka by the central government and the ongoing efforts to promote Hindi. Advocating for a policy that prioritizes mother tongues as the medium of instruction, the Chief Minister expressed concern that the dominance of English and Hindi could hinder the intellectual development of children, contrasting it with the practices in developed nations where education is primarily in the mother tongue.
November 1 marks the formation day for several Indian states. Karnataka, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh were established on this date in 1956, while Chhattisgarh was created in 2000. Puducherry also commemorates its liberation day on November 1.
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