With several pro-Kannada outfits calling for a Karnataka bandh on February 14, demanding implementation of theSarojini Mahishi report by providing more jobs for Kannadigas in the state,the Karnataka government on Wednesday said that it is committed to fulfilling it.
"Our government has shown commitment towards implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report. We have already implemented the report in the government sector.
In the private sector, we are trying to implement it step by step.
A cabinet decision has been taken to implement it step by step," Minister for Kannada and Culture C T Ravi said.
Stating that its implementation was not easy in the private sector as availability of skilled work force, among others, should be looked into, Ravi said "we can say it should be compulsory, but we will have to look into the consequences also. So we are discussing (with the private sector).
After imparting required training (to locals), it can be implemented. Or else it may lead to closure of industries,"
Worried that a situation may arise when the future generations may not be in a position to understand Kannada, he said "without making it (Kannada) compulsory in education, how can it be implemented in administration? It is a complex problem."