Tulu Gets Second Additional Administrative Language Status in Karnataka

The Karnataka state government has made the Tulu as the second additional administrative language of the state in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. The decision was announced by the state’s Chief Minister D K Shivakumar following the state Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on September 18, 2026. The Cabinet has also sanctioned a new tourism policy for coastal and Malnad areas with an objective of promoting tourism infrastructure and attracting investment. Some other decisions that were taken include the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-31, major development schemes, and a proposal to take the views of citizens regarding the name change of the Dakshina Kannada district to Mangaluru.

Tulu to be Second Additional Administrative Language in Two Districts

The government of Karnataka has decided to implement Tulu as an additional administrative language in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.

The language is mainly spoken in these two districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of neighboring Kerala. The area where the language is predominantly spoken is often called Tulu Nadu.

Tulu is a Dravidian language which has its distinct linguistic and cultural identity. According to Shivakumar, there is immense scope for educational and cultural development in the language.

Tourism Policy in the Coastal and Malnad Area of Karnataka

The Cabinet also approved a tourism policy on the coastal and Malnad areas of Karnataka.

According to the policy, tourism schemes would be regarded as infrastructural schemes. The government would offer incentives that would help in the attraction of investments, especially in the area of greenfield tourism.

There would also be more time given to pay back the loan. According to Shivakumar, the long monsoon seasons could hinder tourism activities in the coastal and Malnad areas.

The government would also embark on urban development policies and incentives with respect to fisheries.

Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-31

The other key decision taken was the approval of Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-31.

As per this policy, the government aims to set up the Fisheries, Marine and Blue Economy University through upgrading of an existing college.

This new university will increase their intake from the existing 60 seats to 200 seats with emphasis on fisheries, marine biotechnology, and blue economy.

Dakshina Kannada to Be Redubbed as Mangaluru

Another key decision was that the Karnataka government is looking forward to renaming Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district.

Shivakumar informed that the government would come out with the draft notification and seek public opinion for a month after which a final decision will be taken.

The government will take into consideration the public sentiment and associations of the district with its existing name.

Major Approvals for Development

The Cabinet gave clearance for projects worth approximately ₹32,611 crore, as per the Chief Minister.

Approximately ₹16,000 crore was sanctioned for rural development, whereas ₹16,000 crore was sanctioned for Mangaluru, Udupi and the coastal area.

The sanction for a medical college worth approximately ₹450 crore was also made. The government also referred to the need for setting up Kidwai and Jayadeva hospitals in the region.