Next one year to be observed as Kannada Action Year: Karnataka CM Yediyurappa

"The details of the event to be taken up under the 'Kannada Kaayaka Varsha' programme is in the final stage," B S Yediyurappa said.

A framework for the promotion of Kannada language will be announced by the government shortly.

Speaking at the Karnataka Rajyotsava event, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said on Sunday that the state would observe the period from November 1 to October 31 as ‘Kannada Kayaka Varsha’.

During the period, the special impetus will be provided to promote Kannada and increase employment opportunities for Kannadigas in the state, sources in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

“Innovative programmes will be held on Kannada usage and to protect and develop the language in the age of technology,” he said, adding that programmes for the year are being finalised, which will be announced soon.

CMO sources said ‘Kannada Kayaka Varsha’ is likely to include events that ensure more employment opportunities for the Kannada-speaking population in the state. Improving the use of Kannada as an administrative language in government services is also on the cards, sources said, adding that a framework was likely in a week.

Commenting on the National Education Policy announced by the Central government recently, Yediyurappa said it would strengthen Kannada-medium education as the policy stressed on imparting education in regional languages.

Owing to the demand by various pro-Kannada organisations, the government had also drafted legislation in the past to ensure reservation to Kannadigas in the private sector jobs generated in the state. However, the legislation is yet to be formalised.

Moreover, there is a hue and cry over the ‘step-motherly’ treatment meted to the Kannada language, prompting the government to push for programmes to popularise the use of the language.