“Malayalam to be the only official language in Kerala – New language bill.”

Introduction

Language is an important component of a state's culture, identity, and administrative functioning. In India, many states use their regional languages as official languages. In this context, the Kerala Government has introduced the “Malayalam Language Bill – 2025” to establish Malayalam as the primary official language of administration.

1. Key Features of the Bill

Malayalam will be used as the only official language in the administration of Kerala. In government and government-aided schools, Malayalam will be compulsory as the first language up to Class 10. This bill was passed in the Kerala Legislative Assembly in October 2024. Currently, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has given his assent to the bill.

2. Protection for Linguistic Minorities

The bill includes provisions for the protection of the rights of linguistic minorities. The rights of minorities speaking languages such as Tamil and Kannada will be safeguarded. People living in border areas of Kerala can communicate with the government in their mother tongue. Furthermore, students whose mother tongue is not Malayalam can choose other languages included in the national education curriculum.

3. Educational Exemptions

Students coming from other states and foreign countries are provided with certain exemptions. Students whose mother tongue is not Malayalam are not required to write the compulsory Malayalam language examination in Classes 9 and 10. Additionally, similar exemptions are available in higher secondary education.

4. Opposition

The bill has faced opposition from the Karnataka Government. It has been alleged that Malayalam is being imposed on Kannada-speaking students living in the Kerala–Karnataka border areas. However, the Kerala Government has rejected these allegations and clarified that language freedom is protected and the rights of minorities are ensured.

5. Language in the Indian Constitution

This issue is related to some important provisions of the Indian Constitution. Article 345 – States have the power to determine their official language. Article 347 – Deals with the protection of linguistic minorities. 8th Schedule – Lists the recognized languages of India, in which Malayalam is one of the scheduled languages.

Conclusion / Way Forward

Language represents the cultural identity of a state. At the same time, the rights of linguistic minorities must also be protected. While this law in Kerala is an effort to protect and promote the language, it is equally important to maintain the balance of a multilingual society in the future.