Definition of a Kannadiga evolves in Karnataka legislative drafts
A 2026 draft Bill proposes that locals must be born in the state and domiciled for 10 years.
The definition of a Kannadiga has evolved from linguistic proficiency to include domicile status, according to a report by Deccan Herald. In 1985, the Dr Sarojini Mahishi committee defined a Kannadiga as someone who could speak, read, and write the language.
The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, stated that a Kannadiga is 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, which stalled following protests by India Inc, defined a local candidate as someone born in the state, residing there for 15 years, and capable of speaking, reading, and writing Kannada legibly. Those who did not study the language in high school were required to pass a test.
A 2026 draft Bill changes this definition, stating a person must be born in Karnataka and domiciled in the state for 10 years. The requirement for Kannada proficiency, which has been a defining characteristic since 1985, is absent from this 2026 draft.
The 1971 census showed 32.37 per cent of Bengaluru's population spoke Kannada, while the 2011 census reported this figure at 44 per cent. Across the state, the 1971 figure was 65.94 per cent and the 2011 figure was 66.53 per cent.