Karnataka CM expresses concern over declining Kannada speakers in Bengaluru
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar noted that Kannada was the mother tongue of only 44.5 per cent of the city's population in 2011.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expressed concern regarding the declining share of Kannada speakers in Bengaluru, according to a report by Deccan Herald. Speaking at a Rajyotsava award presentation ceremony on Sunday evening, the Chief Minister noted that the 2011 Census recorded 107 languages in the city.
Shivakumar said Kannada was the mother tongue of 44.5 per cent of the population in 2011, whereas it previously accounted for nearly 90 per cent. He stated that a 2011 survey estimated the city had 44-47 lakh migrants, with more than 78 per cent not returning to their places of origin.
The Chief Minister also said the government is considering granting official state-flag status to the Kannada flag. He called for a united message to the Centre to seek official recognition and suggested the flag fly below the national flag on government buildings.
Shivakumar stated that Karnataka accounts for 5.5 per cent of India's population but contributes 9.19 per cent to the national economy. He added that Kannada should be used naturally in offices, businesses, and public life.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that Kannadigas should be given priority in employment at private institutions, including IT and BT companies. He said Kannada must emerge as a language of science, AI, start-ups, and the digital age.