Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Independence Day reiterated that imposition of any language is unacceptable and while giving primacy to Kannada. He said that the official language of the State is need of the hour. The Chief Minister said, “Every State has its own official language and our Constitution recognises the primacy of that language in the State to the exclusion of other languages.”
“Imposition of any other language in a State is unconstitutional and it is against the spirit of Formation of States on linguistic basis,” he added.
Addressing a large gathering at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds in Bengaluru on a rain-soaked morning, he unfurled the Tricolour on the occasion of the country’s 71st Independence Day.
He also said the concept of cooperative federalism mandates that while local language primacy cannot be compromised, opportunities could be given to learn other languages too.
“The strength of our nation lies in the fact that all these not only co-exist but are flourishing by retaining their respective identities within the democratic set-up as ordained by our Constitution,” he said asserting “This is unity not only in diversity but also unity through diversity.”
Siddaramaiah’s assertion on the State Government’s resolve to grant primacy to Kannada in the State comes in the backdrop of the huge public protest against the imposition of Hindi language from Central Government and his direction to Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation limited (BMRCl) officials to remove the Hindi signboards in Metro stations across Bengaluru.
It may be recalled that the ruling Congress Government had also mooted the idea of a separate flag for Karnataka by constituting a nine-member committee of officials and leading Kannada writers and activists.
Speaking about new cultural policy brought out ahead of ensuing elections he said, “We propose to showcase to the world not only our achievements in every sphere of life, but also the exquisite and unique quality of grandeur of our land and language.”
He lamented that the country was witnessing the phenomena of communalism and casteism raising their ugly heads all around, joined by fascist forces. “This is a very dangerous development about which all right thinking citizens are concerned,” he said.
The Chief Minister said religion is a personal matter. It is sacrilegious to derive political benefit by sowing seeds of hatred amongst persons, communities and religious sects. Today, the time has come to pledge ourselves to the task of annihilating those divisive forces actively promoting these kinds of practices, which are nothing but anti-national, he said.
Siddaramaiah said the Congress Government’s concept of development is based on inclusiveness that aims to usher in improved level of standard of living. “I am proud to name this as the Karnataka Development Model,” he declared.
“I am happy to announce that from tomorrow (August 16), Indira Canteens are being opened in all the 198 wards of the city to feed people from the labour class and poor migrants to the city of Bengaluru,” he said adding “In the first phase, Indira Canteens are proposed to be started in 101 wards.”
“Our Government is committed to the welfare of the student community and it is our endeavour to ensure that they are not deprived of quality education because of lack of basic amenities. We have effectively implemented the Right to Education Act with a view to provide education for all as per the constitutional mandate,” he explained.
The Chief Minister said: “I am very pleased to announce that BR Ambedkar School of Economics has been established in Bengaluru to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of the Architect of the Constitution.” Eom/blr