The Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, in force in Karnataka since 2017, stipulates teaching Kannada as the first or second language in all schools in the State.
| Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN
The government of Karnataka has taken action against two schools in Bengaluru for violating the Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015.
In response to a question on Kannada teaching in ICSE, CBSE, IB and IGCSE schools by N. Ravi Kumar of the BJP in the Legislative Council on December 16, Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa said that officials served notices on The Bengaluru International School at Dommasandra in Anekal taluk of Bengaluru South district and on Gear Innovative School at Dodda Kannahalli in Bengaluru South district, and imposed a penalty as per the Act.
The Minister said that the government of Karnataka had framed rules under the Act mandating teaching Kannada as either the first or second language in private schools. The schools had to give an acknowledgement on obeying the rule at the time of seeking renewal of recognition.
Why only two schools?
Mr. Ravi Kumar expressed surprise on action being taken against only two schools, stating that many CBSE and ICSE schools hardly teach Kannada, which was evident by the fact that students from such schools struggle to read Kannada.
The Minister responded stating that officials did act whenever they received a complaint about schools violating the rules.
Under the Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, in force in Karnataka since 2017, it is mandatory to teach Kannada as the first or second language in all schools in the State.
Published – December 16, 2025 04:12 pm IST
