Karnataka Cabinet Approves Tulu as Second Administrative Language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi

The Karnataka Cabinet approved Tulu as the state’s second additional administrative language for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on 18 September 2026. The decision was announced after a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, and the government fixed an annual allocation of Rs 82 lakh for translation and training linked to administrative use of Tulu.

Tulu Language Profile

Tulu is a Dravidian language with a recorded history of more than 2,000 years. It is spoken by about one crore people globally, with major usage in the undivided Dakshina Kannada and Udupi region of coastal Karnataka.

Administrative and Legal Context

The Cabinet note described Tulu as the “second additional administrative language” for the two districts. District administrations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will implement the decision in official work, including translation-related functions and staff training.

Policy Background

A committee headed by academician Mohan Alva was constituted by the then BJP government ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections to examine the proposal for Tulu as the second official language of Karnataka. The present decision follows a long-standing demand for official recognition of Tulu in the coastal region.

Important Facts for Exams

• Tulu belongs to the Dravidian language family, which also includes Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
• Karnataka has districts with strong linguistic diversity, especially in the coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
• Administrative language status is used for official communication, translation, and public service delivery in government offices.
• Mangaluru is a major city in coastal Karnataka and hosted the Cabinet meeting outside Bengaluru.

Exam-Oriented Facts

The annual allocation for Tulu-related administrative work is Rs 82 lakh. The decision applies specifically to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and does not extend to the entire state.