Kerala govt makes Malayalam proficiency a must for government jobs

Mangalore Today News Network

Thiruvanantapuram, Feb 24, 2022: The Kerala government has made proficiency in Malayalam mandatory for obtaining government jobs. Now, all candidates will need to clear a Malayalam proficiency test.

 

According to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, changes are being made to the existing law to include the new reform.

The chief minister was inaugurating a Malayalam Mission event marking International Mother Language Day. Those who have secured government jobs will have to clear the Malayalam language proficiency test before completing their probationary period, Vijayan said.

At present, non-Malayalis coming from other states are eligible for government jobs in Kerala on the condition that they pass a Malayalam test. This provision will now become applicable to all aspirants.

While the decision to make Malayalam language mandatory for government jobs was taken way back in 2013, its implementation took time since it needed changes to the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rule Amendments and approval by the Subject Committee of the State Assembly.

"Even Malayalis living in Kerala do not know Malayalam. It was made the administrative language to ensure that common man is aware of the things that are going on in the administration," the chief minister said.

Malayalam, he said, will be the administrative language unless legal situations demand the use of other languages. He also said that there is scope for reform in the Malayalam language.

"Malayalam equivalents for English words need to be coined in ways that common man can use them with ease. We should also focus on developing language-friendly software programs in Malayalam," he added.

Courtesy:India Today