Tulu gains an official place in coastal Karnataka’s administration

Karnataka has approved additional official-language status for Tulu in two coastal districts, answering a long-standing demand from local residents. The decision gives the regional language a formal role in administration in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, rather than across the whole Indian state.

Announced after a cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on September 18, the change will be implemented by the two district administrations. The government said it would provide 8.2 million rupees annually for translation, training and language use, pairing recognition with resources to help put it into practice.

Tulu is widely spoken in both districts and in neighbouring Kasaragod, in northern Kerala. Its speakers call the region Tulu Nadu. The language has a distinct identity, alongside the neighbouring languages Kannada and Malayalam.

The approval follows an earlier effort to examine official recognition. A committee appointed by the previous government had submitted recommendations, but no decision was taken at that time. The new commitment moves the proposal forward, with district authorities now responsible for making Tulu part of local administrative work.