Karnataka's definition of a Kannadiga has evolved over 40 years
The criteria for identifying a local have shifted from linguistic proficiency to domicile requirements according to a Deccan Herald report.
The definition of a Kannadiga in Karnataka has changed significantly since 1985, according to a report by the Deccan Herald. In 1985, the Dr Sarojini Mahishi committee was tasked with defining a Kannadiga before reviewing employment in banks, private companies, and public sector undertakings.
The Karnataka government's 1985 note stated that a Kannadiga must have functional knowledge of the language, specifically the ability to speak, read, and write Kannada. At that time, the 1971 census showed that 65.94 per cent of the state's population spoke Kannada, while only 32.37 per cent of Bengaluru's population did.
The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, defined a Kannadiga as a person, or their parents or legal guardian, who has been an ordinary resident of Karnataka for at least 15 years and possesses knowledge of reading and writing Kannada.
A 2024 government Bill drafted to reserve private sector jobs for Kannadigas defined a local as someone born in the state, residing there for 15 years, and capable of speaking, reading, and writing Kannada legibly. This Bill stalled following protests by India Inc.
A 2026 draft Bill changes the definition to require a person to be born in Karnataka and domiciled in the state for 10 years. The 2026 draft removes Kannada proficiency as a defining characteristic.
A senior bureaucrat stated that the domicile requirement is a way to protect locals regarding jobs and attributed the increasing reliance on domicile status to anti-immigrant sentiment.