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Karnataka Group Demands Kannada Language Rule for Auto, Taxi Drivers

A Kannada organization has urged the Karnataka government to implement a rule making knowledge of Kannada mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. The demand mirrors a recent controversial decision by the Maharashtra government requiring drivers to know Marathi for license renewal. The group argues this is essential to protect the state's linguistic identity and resolve public grievances caused by communication gaps. It has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and called on the opposition BJP to pressure the government.

Key Points: Karnataka Urged to Adopt Maharashtra-Style Language Rule for Drivers

  • Demand for Kannada language rule
  • Mirroring Maharashtra's Marathi mandate
  • Aim to protect language identity
  • Concerns over driver licensing
  • Addressing communication gaps
2 min read

Kannada group urges K'taka govt to adopt Maharashtra language rule for auto, taxi drivers

A Kannada group demands Karnataka make Kannada mandatory for auto and taxi drivers, mirroring a new Marathi rule in Maharashtra.

"anyone wishing to work or do business in the state must learn Kannada - T.A. Narayana Gowda"

Bengaluru, April 16

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike placed a fresh demand before the state government on Thursday, urging it to implement regulations on the lines of Maharashtra that make knowledge of the local language mandatory for drivers.

Karave State President T.A. Narayana Gowda has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling for strict enforcement of Kannada language requirements, particularly in the transport sector.

The demand comes in the backdrop of a recent decision by the Maharashtra government, which has triggered widespread debate.

According to reports, the Maharashtra government has announced that all licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state will have to know Marathi from May 1

The rule mandates that drivers must be able to read, write and speak Marathi to be eligible for DL renewal, raising concerns over the future of taxi and auto drivers who are not proficient in the language.

Welcoming the move, Narayana Gowda has urged the Karnataka government to adopt a similar policy, arguing that anyone wishing to work or do business in the state must learn Kannada.

The organisation stated that while communication in other states is carried out in their respective regional languages, Karnataka is witnessing increasing dominance of non-local languages.

He has appealed to the government to deny driving licences to those who are unable to communicate in Kannada, stating that such a step is essential to protect the identity and pride of the language.

Narayana Gowda has also raised the issue through social media, reiterating the demand for immediate action.

The organisation further claimed that the presence of drivers who do not know Kannada has led to communication gaps and multiple public grievances. It maintained that resolving these issues lies with the state government.

Narayana Gowda has also called upon the opposition BJP in Karnataka to exert pressure on the government to take a decision on the matter at the earliest.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Fully support this! If you choose to work and earn your livelihood in Karnataka, learning the local language is a sign of respect. It's not just about communication, it's about integrating with the local culture. Maharashtra is doing the right thing, we should too. 🚖
D
David E
I'm an expat living here. While I'm trying to learn Kannada, making it mandatory for license renewal seems extreme. What about drivers who have been here for decades and serve customers in areas where Hindi or English is commonly used? This could hurt many honest workers.
A
Arjun K
The sentiment is correct, but the implementation must be careful. Instead of denying licenses, the government should provide free, accessible Kannada classes for drivers. Encourage learning, don't punish. Also, what about tourists? Drivers need to know basic English/Hindi too. It's a two-way street.
S
Shreya B
As a Kannadiga, I want my language to thrive. But we must ask: is this the best way? Many auto-uncles from other states are lovely people. Forcing language tests might create unnecessary tension. Let's focus on making Kannada appealing to learn, not compulsory under threat.
K
Karthik V
This is more about politics than language preservation. Before copying Maharashtra, our government should invest in better roads, traffic management, and fair meters. Solve the real problems first. A driver knowing Kannada won't fix the potholes on my street.

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