Karnataka warns firms against job discrimination based on Kannada language
Minister Shivraj Thangadgi says the government will take action if people are denied employment because Kannada is their mother tongue.
Karnataka Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Thangadgi has warned that the government will take strict action if individuals are denied jobs solely because Kannada is their mother tongue, according to Urban Acres.
Speaking at a state function in Bengaluru where Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar presented Rajyotsava Awards, Thangadgi stated that the government will not tolerate unfair treatment of Kannada speakers during recruitment or employment.
The minister's remarks followed a statement from a woman who claimed she was denied a job after introducing someone in Kannada. Thangadgi said action would be taken if such incidents are repeated or if the language is deliberately ignored.
Thangadgi urged information technology companies, industries, and commercial organisations to give Kannada appropriate priority. He referred to an amendment to the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, noting that Kannada must account for 60 per cent of the language used on commercial signboards.
Chief Minister Shivakumar, who presented awards to 66 of the 71 selected Rajyotsava Award recipients, said Kannada should be the dominant language in the state. He added that while other languages should be respected, Kannada should be used naturally in offices, business, and public life.
Five awardees, including Kagodu Thimappa and M.R. Jaishankar, were absent from the event due to reasons such as ill health and overseas travel. Shivakumar said these awards would be presented at their offices or residences at a later time.