The case for Kannada in banking

Chandrashekar D R

The banking sector is the backbone of a nation’s economic system. It is not merely a place for financial transactions but an integral part of the daily lives of millions. In a linguistically diverse country like India, the availability of banking services in local languages is essential. In Karnataka, the use of Kannada in the banking sector – and the representation of Kannadigas in it-- is a sensitive and crucial issue.

To begin with, it is important to understand why the use of Kannada in banking services matters. Most customers who visit banks are ordinary people-- farmers, small traders, daily wage earners, and senior citizens. Many of them struggle to transact in English or Hindi.

To clearly understand their financial dealings and access services without confusion, a local language is indispensable. Whether it is applying for a loan, opening an account, writing a cheque, or using online banking, having information available in Kannada and staff who can communicate in Kannada offers immense support. This is especially critical in rural areas.

Using the local language fosters a sense of security and trust, which is crucial for building long-term relationships and promoting financial inclusion. Moreover, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines clearly state that banks should provide services in the local language. A recent incident at a bank branch in Bengaluru underscored the urgent need for Kannada in customer interactions, exposing communication gaps that can cause frustration and alienation among local customers.

However, in the banking sector – particularly in public sector banks – the number of Kannada-speaking employees is often perceived as inadequate. The information provided by Largest Lender Bangalore Circle on July 21, 2020, regarding the selection of Karnataka-origin candidates for clerical and officer posts, reinforced this concern. (According to the available data, between 2014 and 2020, 607 candidates for clerical and 156 candidates for officer posts were recruited).

These numbers offer a snapshot of the limited representation of Karnataka-origin candidates in a recruitment process that selects thousands each year. A key reason for this gap is that recruitment happens at the national level. Exams conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and the State Bank of India Recruitment Board tend to prioritise English and Hindi. While regional language components are sometimes included, they often function merely as qualifying criteria and do not thoroughly assess local language proficiency. As a result, employees transferred from other states to branches in Karnataka may lack adequate Kannada skills. This is a systemic issue: a national recruitment framework, in its pursuit of standardisation, overlooks essential local linguistic needs.

At the same time, a question arises: are Kannadigas lagging in writing banking exams? Public sector banks offer job stability, good salaries, and attractive benefits. Despite a strong educational system and many coaching institutes in Karnataka, there may be several reasons why Kannadiga youth are not participating in large numbers or are struggling to clear these exams. The state’s cultural inclination toward careers in engineering, medicine, or the IT sector may also discourage interest in banking. Once-coveted roles such as clerical or probationary officer (PO) are now seen as less attractive due to long working hours and increasing job pressure.

This points to the need for targeted career guidance and awareness campaigns to promote banking careers among Kannada-speaking youth.

To address the situation, a two-pronged strategy is necessary. First, the central government and the RBI must revise their recruitment policies. Greater importance must be given to local language proficiency – especially for customer-facing roles. Employees posted to Karnataka should undergo mandatory Kannada language training to ensure they can serve local communities effectively. The state government and civil society organisations should conduct awareness campaigns to reach youth across urban and rural areas about banking exams. Providing coaching and guidance in Kannada could be a significant step.

Second, Kannadiga youth must show greater interest in choosing banking as a career. This is not just about securing a job; it is an opportunity to serve one’s own community in one’s own language. Increasing the number of Kannada-speaking staff in our banks will strengthen financial access and deepen economic empowerment at the grassroots level. It is a matter of both economic empowerment and cultural preservation.

The use of Kannada and the representation of Kannadigas in the banking sector is not merely a matter of linguistic pride – it is essential for effective service delivery and inclusive growth. A long-term solution requires active efforts from both policymakers and the youth of Karnataka. 

(The writer works for a public sector bank)