In a significant move to promote the regional language, the Karnataka Department of Collegiate Education has issued a directive requiring all government and aided first-grade colleges, including BEd institutions, to use Kannada in their official communications with the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
Directive Follows KDA's Push for Language Sovereignty
The order, issued via a circular on Monday, comes directly in response to a formal letter from the Kannada Development Authority (KDA). KDA chairman Purushotham Bilimale had written to the department on December 17, strongly advocating for the use of Kannada, which he described as the sovereign language of Karnataka, in all correspondence with the national accreditation body.
The circular, authorized by N Manjushree, the Commissioner of Collegiate and Technical Education, noted that colleges have predominantly been using English for all matters related to NAAC accreditation and other official exchanges. The government has now put an end to this practice with its latest instruction.
Clarifications and Translation Provisions
The department has provided a crucial clarification within the directive. While mandating the primary use of Kannada, the circular states that colleges may translate documents into English if the NAAC specifically requests details in that language. This provision ensures that the accreditation process remains smooth and compliant with any specific requirements from the national council.
This policy shift underscores the state government's commitment to strengthening the official use of Kannada in higher education administration, aligning with the broader cultural and linguistic preservation goals championed by the KDA.
Separate Push for NAAC Accreditation Linked to Grants
In a related but separate circular, the department has also directed all colleges to actively seek NAAC accreditation to remain eligible for central government grants. It emphasized that accreditation under Sections 2(F) and 12(B) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act is critical for any higher education institution.
This recognition is not just for validation but is a fundamental requirement for institutions to become eligible for development grants and various forms of financial assistance from the UGC. The department has asked all first-grade and BEd colleges to take immediate steps to obtain this accreditation and to submit a status report to the department promptly.
The twin circulars signal a clear strategy from the state authorities: to enforce the use of the regional language in official academic procedures while simultaneously pushing institutions to secure the necessary national accreditation that unlocks vital funding for development and growth.
