Mangalore, 20 September 2026 – In a special cabinet meeting held in Mangalore on Friday, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his ministers approved Tulu as the state’s second additional administrative language, set the renaming of Dakshina Kannada district to Mangaluru district in motion, and sanctioned coastal development projects worth Rs 32,611 crore.
Shivakumar told reporters that the decision to recognise Tulu in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts responds to a long‑standing demand from Tulu‑speaking communities, cultural bodies and elected representatives. He highlighted that former minister Ramanath Rai first tabled the request, while MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and other legislators pressed the issue until the cabinet reached a unanimous verdict.
The new language status will apply only to the two coastal districts, and the administration will draft a notification for the name change of Dakshina Kannada to Mangaluru district. A one‑month window for public comments and objections will follow, Shivakumar said, noting that the city enjoys global recognition and many locals favour the change.
Alongside linguistic recognition, the cabinet cleared a portfolio of development schemes totaling Rs 32,611 crore. Of this, Rs 16,000 crore is earmarked for rural upliftment, while funds will also support the creation of tourist infrastructure on twelve islands across Mangalore, Udupi and Karwar. The plan aims to transform the coastline into a world‑class tourism hub, leveraging cultural heritage and natural assets to generate jobs.
Shivakumar also referenced a recently approved Coastal and Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy that treats tourism projects as core infrastructure. He concluded by praising the collective effort that secured the language honour and the Rs 500‑crore medical college promised to the region, emphasizing the government’s focus on tangible socio‑economic progress over emotive politics.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News