Draft Malayalam Language Bill cleared by Kerala cabinet

Thiruvananthapuram: The state cabinet has approved the draft Malayalam Language Bill, aimed at strengthening Malayalam as the official language.

The draft proposes the creation of a separate department, a minister, and a language directorate dedicated to Malayalam. Officials said the new department and directorate would not place an additional financial burden on the government for now, as staff would be appointed on deputation from other departments. Once enacted, the law will require all boards, including those of state institutions, to display Malayalam first.

Bill first introduced in 2015: Why was it returned?

The Bill was first introduced in 2015 by the then United Democratic Front (UDF) government but was returned by the President of India without a detailed explanation. A thorough review by the government suggested that certain provisions introduced during the legislative process may have led to its rejection.

The draft Bill recognises Tamil and Kannada as minority languages in Kerala, consistent with past versions. However, during debates in the State Assembly, Tulu and Konkani were also added to the list of recognised minority languages, reflecting the state’s linguistic diversity.

One of the more contentious clauses allows linguistic minorities to submit letters and petitions in their native language or English, with the government permitted to respond in either the same language or English. This provision contrasts with the Official Language Act of 1969, which explicitly requires the government to reply in the minority language used by the petitioner.