Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday accused the Central government of neglecting Kannada and imposing Hindi. He also called upon the people of the state to oppose ‘anti-Kannada’ forces.
“The central government is giving step-motherly treatment to Karnataka,” the Chief Minister said at a program organized in the capital on the occasion of the State Foundation Day (Rajyotsav Diwas).
He alleged that the state gives revenue of Rs 4.5 lakh crore to the Centre, but it does not get its fair share and is given a very nominal amount in return. Referring to “injustice” to Kannada, the Chief Minister said, “Continuous efforts are being made to impose Hindi. Grants are given for the development of Hindi and Sanskrit, while other languages of the country are being neglected.”
He also said that Karnataka was being deprived of the funds needed for the development of the state. Siddaramaiah said, “Enough funds are not being given for the development of classical like Kannada, due to which injustice is being done to it. We should oppose all those who are anti-Kannada.”
Emphasizing the need to take Kannada and its culture to new heights, the Chief Minister said that many problems have arisen due to neglect of Kannada in education. He said, “Children of developed countries think, read, write and dream in their motherland, but here the situation is opposite. English and Hindi are weakening the talent of our children.”
Siddaramaiah said, “Therefore there is a need to make a law to implement Matrikho as a medium of education. I urge the Center to seriously consider this direction.