Malayalam Language Bill, 2025
Overview
The Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 aims to designate Malayalam as the official language of Kerala, mandating its use across various domains such as government, education, judiciary, public communication, commerce, and the digital sector, while adhering to constitutional provisions.
Provisions of the Bill
- Official Language Adoption: Malayalam will be the official language, replacing the current dual recognition of English and Malayalam.
- Education:
- Malayalam to be the compulsory first language in all government and aided schools up to Class 10.
- Translation of all judgments and court proceedings to be phased in.
- Bills and Ordinances to be introduced in Malayalam.
- Technology: The IT department will develop open-source software for efficient use of Malayalam in IT.
- Administrative Changes:
- Personnel and Administrative Reforms department to be renamed as the Malayalam Language Development department.
- A Malayalam Language Development Directorate to be constituted.
Background
The Bill follows the unsuccessful Malayalam Language (Dissemination and Enrichment) Bill, 2015, which was withheld by the President due to conflicts with the Official Language Act, 1963, and other educational provisions. The new Bill addresses these defects.
Opposition to the Bill
- The Karnataka government opposes the Bill as unconstitutional, fearing adverse impacts on the Kannada-speaking minority in Kerala, especially in Kasaragod.
- Concerns are raised over mandatory Malayalam as the first language in schools, affecting the linguistic rights of Kannada-speaking students.
Kerala Government’s Position
- The Bill includes provisions to protect linguistic minorities' rights, allowing the use of their languages in government correspondence.
- Students whose mother tongue isn't Malayalam can study in their chosen languages according to the National Education Curriculum.
- Exemptions are provided for non-Malayalam speaking students from other states and countries from taking Malayalam exams in higher classes.
