Tulu to Be Karnataka’s Second Additional Official Language: CM D.K. Shivakumar

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Mangaluru, September 18: Karnataka Cabinet has approved a proposal to recognise Tulu as the state’s second additional official language in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, along with the Coastal-Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026 and a range of development projects involving a total outlay of ₹32,611 crore.

Decisions were taken at a special Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Mangaluru on Friday. The meeting was the first Karnataka Cabinet meeting held in the coastal region. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Chief Minister Shivakumar said that ₹16,000 crore of the approved allocation would be directed towards rural development, while the remaining amount would cover projects concerning the coastal districts.

Tulu to Receive Additional Official Language Status

Chief Minister said the government had respected the longstanding demand to recognise Tulu as an additional official language in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. “Our government has respected the sentiments of the people,” he said, adding that the decision would be limited to Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts within the framework of the state’s additional official language policy.

He said several suggestions had been received during the Cabinet discussions and emphasised that the government intended to focus on people’s livelihoods and socioeconomic development.

Shivakumar recalled that former Minister Ramanath Rai had earlier raised the demand for Tulu to be granted additional official language status. He also acknowledged the efforts of Minister U.T. Khader, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and several other elected representatives who had pressed for the demand. Chief Minister congratulated all those who had worked towards the recognition of Tulu.

Public Opinion to Be Sought on Renaming Dakshina Kannada as Mangaluru

On the proposal to rename Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru, Shivakumar said the government would seek public opinion before taking a final decision. “Mangaluru has international recognition. A decision on renaming Dakshina Kannada as Mangaluru will be taken after obtaining public opinion,” he said.

According to the Chief Minister, a draft notification would be issued, followed by a one-month period during which public views and sentiments would be invited.

Coastal-Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026 Approved

Cabinet approved the Coastal-Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026. Shivakumar said the policy would differ from previous tourism policies and would seek to provide greater support to investors, including additional time for loan repayment.

Under the new policy, tourism projects in the coastal and Malnad regions would be considered infrastructure projects, making them eligible for various incentives and support measures, he said.

Fisheries and Blue Economy University Proposed

Government has also decided to establish a university dedicated to fisheries and the blue economy, the Chief Minister said. He added that the intake at the existing fisheries college would be increased from 60 to 200 seats.

Shivakumar said demands had also been raised for healthcare institutions such as Kidwai and Jayadeva hospitals in the region. He announced that ₹549 crore had been approved for the establishment of a medical college in Puttur.

₹16,000 Crore Rural Development Programme

Chief Minister said the Cabinet-approved development package included ₹16,000 crore for rural connectivity roads and rural infrastructure development. Remaining allocations would be directed towards projects and initiatives concerning the coastal districts, including fisheries, tourism, infrastructure and other development sectors.

Cabinet Meetings to Be Held in 10–12 Locations

Responding to a question on whether Cabinet meetings would be held in other districts outside Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the government intended to conduct Cabinet meetings at 10–12 locations over the next 15 months.

“Cabinet meetings will be held wherever there is a need and the capacity to host them,” he said, adding that the government’s objective was to build a comprehensive and prosperous Karnataka.

Dakshina Kannada a Major Economic and Educational Centre

Shivakumar said the development initiatives announced for the coastal districts would also be extended to other parts of the state. He highlighted Dakshina Kannada’s religious, educational and economic significance, noting its contribution to the country’s banking sector, ports, education and healthcare.

Chief Minister said the district had played an important role in the development of the nation and that the Cabinet meeting was an effort to contribute to its future growth.

Kasturirangan Report Discussions

Shivakumar said he would participate in a meeting in Hebri on the Kasturirangan report and that public opinion would be sought in Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts the following day.

Expressing gratitude for the welcome extended by the people of Dakshina Kannada, he said the district had made significant progress socially, economically and educationally. He added that legislators, Members of Parliament and Legislative Council members from across party lines had offered suggestions and assured their cooperation for the district’s development.

“Language Sentiment Is Strong,” Says Chief Minister

Speaking about the demand for official language recognition for Tulu, Shivakumar recalled that Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai had raised the issue as his first question in the Assembly after becoming an MLA. “I was surprised, but his first concern was the language,” the Chief Minister said.

He also referred to the role played by U.T. Khader, who was Speaker at the time, and said that both leaders had spoken in Tulu and joined others in pressing for the demand. Referring to the approval for the Puttur medical college, Shivakumar said the MLA had also secured a major development project for the constituency.

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