Karnataka Recognizes Tulu as Administrative Language in Two Districts

The Karnataka government has officially recognized Tulu as an additional administrative language for use in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the Tulu-speaking community. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru on September 18, 2026, and was announced by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Under the new policy, Tulu will be used alongside Kannada for administrative and official government purposes in the two coastal districts. The respective district administrations will serve as the implementing agencies. The government has allocated an annual budget of Rs 82 lakh to support translation, training, and other activities related to the use and promotion of the language. The recognition allows elected representatives to speak Tulu in local body meetings, including gram sabhas, taluk panchayats, and zilla panchayats. It also enables citizens to submit applications to government departments in Tulu. Government circulars and orders issued in the two districts will now contain Tulu in addition to Kannada. The decision marks the culmination of a decades-long campaign.