DK Shivakumar to make Kannada flag mandatory in govt, private offices in Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the Kannada flag recognition issue would be raised during the Belagavi Assembly session. The planned legal framework follows the Centre's earlier refusal to approve the state's request.Shivakumar said the issue would now be brought up during the Belagavi Assembly session. (File Photo: ITG)Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said his government is committed to granting official state flag status to the Kannada flag and ensuring that it is hoisted alongside the National Flag on government buildings across the state.Shivakumar said the matter would be taken up during the upcoming Belagavi Assembly session and discussed in the state Cabinet. He added that the government plans to introduce a legal framework and pass an official resolution to formalise the practice.The Chief Minister made the remarks after hoisting the Kannada flag alongside the National Flag. He said the government had already held discussions on granting the flag official recognition."Just now, I hoisted the Kannada flag next to the National Flag. The government has already deliberated on granting official state flag status to the Kannada flag," Shivakumar said. He recalled that the state Cabinet had earlier taken a decision on the matter and submitted a request to the Central Government seeking recognition. However, the state did not receive approval from the Centre."Earlier, a Cabinet decision was taken and a request was submitted to the Central Government seeking recognition, but we did not receive approval," he said. Shivakumar said the issue would now be brought up during the Belagavi Assembly session, where the government would discuss the next steps towards securing official status for the Kannada flag."During the Belagavi Assembly session, I will raise this issue for discussion and take it up in the Cabinet. My government is committed to bringing in the necessary legal framework and passing an official resolution to ensure that the Kannada flag is hoisted alongside the National Flag on all government buildings," he said.He also said the proposed measure was a government initiative and called for public participation in the process."Everyone must remember that this is not just my government; it is your government too," the Chief Minister added.KANNADA FLAG RECOGNITION ISSUEThe question of official recognition for a separate Karnataka state flag has been discussed by successive state governments. The proposed move seeks to establish a formal framework for displaying the Kannada flag on government premises alongside the National Flag.Shivakumar's latest remarks indicate that the state government intends to revisit the issue through legislative and Cabinet discussions.The proposed resolution and legal framework would be key steps in determining how the flag is to be displayed across government buildings.However, the state government's earlier request for recognition did not receive approval from the Central Government. The next steps are expected to be discussed during the Belagavi Assembly session.- Ends