Bengaluru: In a significant move to reinforce the use of Kannada in business and industry, the Karnataka government has mandated that all products manufactured within the state must feature labels in Kannada. This includes product names and usage instructions, alongside any other languages.
The directive, formalized through a government circular issued on February 15, applies to both public and private sector manufacturers. Enforcement officers designated under the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, have been tasked with ensuring compliance, according to a report by news agency PTI.
Authorities have been instructed to strictly enforce the rule, which aligns with the state’s broader efforts to integrate Kannada into production, marketing, and business activities. The government emphasized that language plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and fostering employment and business opportunities for Kannadigas.
The Act, implemented from March 12, 2024, mandates that manufacturers selling products within Karnataka must, wherever possible, include Kannada labels along with any other languages. The new rule comes amid ongoing debates over language policies in the state, particularly concerning job quotas and the prominence of Kannada in government and corporate sectors.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting Kannada. Speaking at a Kannada Rajyotsava Day event honoring the 69 recipients of this year’s Rajyotsava awards, he reiterated the importance of fostering an environment that encourages the daily use and learning of the language.
The directive is expected to impact businesses across various sectors, further solidifying Kannada’s role in Karnataka’s industrial and consumer landscape.
