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Kerala Makes Malayalam Official Language, Protects Minority Rights

The Kerala Legislative Assembly session began with the Governor's address highlighting new legislation. The government has passed a law establishing Malayalam as the official language of the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarified the bill includes explicit protections for linguistic minorities, particularly Tamil and Kannada speakers. The law ensures these communities can continue official correspondence in their mother tongues.

Key Points: Malayalam Official Language Law Passed in Kerala

  • Malayalam declared official language
  • Landmark Right to Services Act passed
  • Safeguards for Tamil, Kannada speakers
  • Non-obstante clause protects minorities
  • Linguistic freedom fully protected
2 min read

Legistation to make Malayalam official language of Kerala: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar

Kerala Governor announces legislation making Malayalam the official state language, with safeguards for Tamil and Kannada linguistic minorities.

"Another legislation is making our mother-tongue Malayalam the official language of the State, while affording adequate protection to the rights of linguistic minorities. - Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar"

Thiruvananthapuram, January 20

The 16th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly commenced on Tuesday with a policy address by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who highlighted the legislation making Malayalam the official language of the state, along with other significant acts passed by the government.

Addressing the Assembly, Arlekar noted that Kerala recently had elections for the three-tier local d self-government and the elected people have now taken charge.

Highlighting the Landmark Right to Services Act and legislative initiative to make Malayalam the official language of Kerala, he said, "My government has passed the Landmark Right to Services Act, which provides for declaring notified services as made available if officials connected with them fail to take action within a stipulated time period."

"Another legislation is making our mother-tongue Malayalam the official language of the State, while affording adequate protection to the rights of linguistic minorities in the state," he added.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously in his response to a row surrounding the Malayalam Language Bill 2025, asserted that the apprehensions raised do not reflect the facts or the inclusive spirit of the legislation passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly, adding that the bill contains a clause that particularly safeguards the rights of linguistic minorities.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "Kerala's progress has always been rooted in comprehensive development anchored in equality and brotherhood. The Government remains steadfast in upholding the constitutional values of secularism and pluralism."Clarifying the intent of the legislation, Vijayan said the Bill contains a clear and unambiguous non-obstante clause (Clause 7) which explicitly safeguards the rights of linguistic minorities, particularly the Kannada and Tamil speaking communities. He emphasised that the government remains firmly committed to protecting linguistic diversity and ensuring that no language is imposed on any citizen.

"Key provisions ensure that no language is imposed and linguistic freedom is fully protected. In notified areas, Tamil and Kannada speakers may continue to use their mother tongues for official correspondence with the Secretariat, Heads of Departments, and local offices, with replies issued in the same languages," Vijayan said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good move, but implementation is key. The Right to Services Act sounds promising on paper. Let's see if government offices actually deliver services on time now. Fingers crossed.
A
Arun Y
As a Tamil speaker living in Kerala for 20 years, I appreciate the clear clause protecting linguistic minorities. It's reassuring to know we can still use our mother tongue for official work. Well done.
S
Sarah B
While protecting linguistic heritage is important, I hope this doesn't create practical hurdles for inter-state business or for non-Malayali professionals contributing to Kerala's economy. The safeguards mentioned are crucial.
V
Vikram M
Other states should take note. This is how you celebrate your regional language without sidelining others. The non-obstante clause shows thoughtful drafting. Kudos to the legislative assembly.
M
Meera T
I have a respectful criticism. While the intent is good, declaring Malayalam as the *official* language could slowly marginalize English in administrative spaces, which might affect Kerala's global connectivity and IT sector in the long run. Hope the government remains vigilant.
K
Karthik V
Finally! Our mother tongue gets its due respect. This will also encourage more literary works and official documents in Malayalam. A step towards preserving our rich culture for future generations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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