Karnataka Govt Mandates Kannada Flag Hoisting For Businesses, Schools, Colleges On Nov 1

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced on Friday that it will be mandatory for all educational institutions, businesses, and factories, including those in the information technology (IT) and biotechnology (BT) sectors, to hoist the Kannada flag on November 1, the state's formation day.

Shivakumar noted that about 50% of Bengaluru's residents are from other states and emphasized the importance of learning Kannada, especially as Karnataka marks 50 years since the state was renamed from Mysore. "November 1 is a day of celebration for Kannadigas, and as Bengaluru's in-charge minister, I have introduced a new program requiring all schools, colleges, factories, and businesses-including the IT-BT sector-to compulsorily hoist the Kannada flag," he said, adding that an official order will be issued soon.

The yellow-and-red Kannada flag, unofficial but widely recognized, was originally designed by Veera Senani Ma Ramamurthy in the 1960s. Shivakumar stressed that both private and government institutions must hold celebrations on Rajyotsava (State Formation Day), aiming to foster a sense of love for the Kannada language among students.

"Everyone should understand that Kannada is essential for living in Karnataka," he said. Schools and colleges, along with hoisting the Kannada flag, are expected to organize cultural programs similar to those held on Independence and Republic Days. Shivakumar clarified that while factories and businesses are not required to hold cultural events, hoisting the Kannada flag is mandatory.

When asked about penalties for non-compliance, he stated, "I'm informing everyone that in Karnataka, learning Kannada is their responsibility. We have made Kannada a compulsory subject in schools. While flag hoisting is already a tradition in villages, I'm ensuring it is mandatory in Bengaluru." He also cautioned pro-Kannada organizations against forcing the directive on institutions or businesses, saying that they will comply voluntarily after the government order.