As per reports, The Karnataka government could make it mandatory for bank employees to interact with customers in its official regional language Kannada only.
In Support of Rural People who know only Kannada
Amid reports of disputes and clashes between non-local bank staffers and customers, the Karnataka government may soon ask bank employees to learn the regional language Kannada to interact with customers.
Kannada Development Authority (KDA) secretary Santosh Hangal told the Economic Times that the previous BJP government had passed a law in the assembly session in March 2022 and it is yet to be implemented.
Santosh Hangal further said We anticipate receiving communication from the government in the next couple of days. As per the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, banks and private corporations who has a capacity of over 100 employees must put up Kannada cells to enhance easier conversation with their customers as well as set up “Kannada Kalika Ghataka” (Kannada Learning Centres) for their staff. The Act further specifies that the government is responsible for providing teaching staff and study materials at the bank’s cost.
Former Karnataka Development Authority chairman Mukhyamantri Chandru told the Economic Times that, The whole Act doesn’t address the concern of the public as it doesn’t apply to nationalized banks.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president said, In order to achieve the desired outcome Parliament has to make a law with defined regulations, consequences and an enactment timeline.
Kannada Knowledge in Government Offices
Karnataka Language Comprehensive Development Bill which was passed in March 2022 was aimed to promote Kannada language in government offices.
The bill said, “Cognition of Kannada language to be requisite for employment in the state government, local authorities, Boards, Corporations and in Statutory or Non-Statutory bodies.
The bill also said the above government bodies and registered co-operative societies in the state must pass the Kannada Language Examination.
Protecting the Kannada Language
Chief Minister of Karnataka Mr. Siddaramaiah urged people from outside the state to acclimatize the Kannada Culture.
Siddaramaiah further said, “We will never condone any attack on our language, land, and water. Securing Kannada People and Kannada Land is our responsibility.
Image credit: Wikipedia/Kannada