Karnataka SBI Staff Sparks Language Controversy Over Hindi-Kannada Row
A staff member at the State Bank of India (SBI) in Karnataka has ignited a major language controversy after reportedly refusing to converse in Kannada and stating, “This is India, I’ll speak Hindi, not Kannada.”
The incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from citizens, activists, and political leaders.
What Happened?
The controversy began when a customer at an SBI branch in Karnataka asked the bank employee to speak in Kannada, the official language of the state. The staffer allegedly replied, “This is India. I’ll speak Hindi, not Kannada,” triggering widespread outrage.
CM Siddaramaiah Condemns the Remark
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the statement, asserting that Kannada is the administrative language of the state, and disrespecting it is unacceptable. He emphasized the importance of honoring regional languages, especially in public services like banks that cater to the local population.
“Such remarks are not only insensitive but also unconstitutional. We must respect the federal structure and linguistic diversity of our nation,” Siddaramaiah said in a public statement.
Public Outrage and Political Reactions
The video of the incident has since gone viral, sparking widespread criticism from:
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Kannada activists demanding strict action against the employee.
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Political parties reiterating the importance of regional languages in official communication.
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Netizens urging government bodies and public sector units to ensure language inclusivity in multilingual states.
Importance of Language Sensitivity in India
India is a linguistically diverse country with 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of regional dialects. While Hindi is spoken by a significant portion of the population, it is not the national language. Every state has the constitutional right to promote and prioritize its own official language.
Public servants, especially in states with strong linguistic identities like Karnataka, are expected to communicate in the local language to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
FAQs: Karnataka SBI Language Row
1. What triggered the Karnataka SBI language row?
A staff member at an SBI branch refused to speak Kannada and insisted on speaking Hindi, which led to public outrage and political condemnation.
2. What was CM Siddaramaiah’s response?
CM Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the remark, reaffirming that Kannada is the administrative language of Karnataka and must be respected in all public services.
3. Is Hindi the national language of India?
No, India does not have a national language. Hindi and English are official languages at the central level, but states can designate their own official languages.
4. What are the implications of such language disputes?
Language disputes can cause social unrest, disrupt public services, and undermine national unity. They highlight the need for cultural sensitivity and inclusive governance.
5. Can action be taken against the SBI employee?
While specific disciplinary action depends on SBI’s internal policies, public pressure and government intervention could prompt formal measures or language training requirements.
Conclusion
This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of respecting regional languages in a multilingual nation like India. Public institutions, especially those serving diverse populations, must strive for linguistic inclusivity and cultural sensitivity to foster trust and unity.
Updated: May 21, 2025, By : Abhishek Rana