Karnataka accords second official language status to Tulu language

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Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addresses a press conference after the completion of cabinet meeting at Praja Soudha, in Mangaluru on September 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: H.S. Manjunath

Fulfilling a long-pending demand, the Karnataka Cabinet decided to accord the second official language status to Tulu language, widely spoken in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, as well as in neighbouring Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made the announcement during the Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on September 18, 2026

The Cabinet also decided to issue a draft notification inviting objections/ suggestions to rename Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district.

A decision was also taken to bring in a separate tourism policy for coastal and Malnad districts, which will treat investments in tourism as infrastructure projects.

The CM also announced that Mangaluru fisheries college will be upgraded as Fisheries, Marine & Blue Economy University with an intake of 200 seats, up from the present 60.

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