A formal proposal for a Tulu Language National Recognition & Development Mission 2026–2035 was submitted on Thursday, 1 October 2026 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting an inter-ministerial review of measures for the constitutional recognition, preservation, digitisation, education and promotion of the Tulu language and its cultural heritage. The submission, originating from Bengaluru, marks the most structured push yet for Tulu's formal national standing.

Who submitted the proposal and what it seeks

The proposal was submitted by S. Mohanadass Hegde, Member of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission. At its core, it seeks consideration of Tulu's inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution — a long-standing demand — alongside a national framework for research and preservation of its literary, historical and cultural heritage. The document also requests an examination of Tulu's eligibility for classical language status.

Citing Census 2011 data, the proposal notes 18,46,849 native Tulu speakers across India and abroad, arguing that the language meets the threshold for constitutional acknowledgement. It calls for systematic research into Tulu's linguistic history, manuscripts, epigraphy, oral traditions and the Tulu-Tigalari script.

The 'Dual-Graphic Harmony Model' and historical research

One of the more distinctive elements of the submission is a proposed 'Dual-Graphic Harmony Model': Kannada would continue as the medium for contemporary governance and public education, while Tulu-Tigalari would be deployed for manuscript conservation, epigraphy and scholarly research. This framing is designed to avoid a direct linguistic or administrative competition with Kannada.

The proposal also calls for a dedicated research project into Tulu Nadu's history — including the Alupa dynasty, Barkur and the historical links between the Tuluva dynasty and the Vijayanagara Empire. Notably, it explicitly recommends that established historical evidence be distinguished from contested claims and cultural traditions, a methodological safeguard rarely specified in such petitions.

Financial outlay and policy tracks

The submission outlines three policy tracks: constitutional recognition, classical language eligibility, and a 10-year national mission blueprint. It proposes an indicative financial envelope of ₹450 crore for a Detailed Project Report (DPR), with suggested convergence with existing Central schemes on language technology, manuscript conservation, epigraphy and education.

A three-stage process is recommended — beginning with referral to the Ministries of Home Affairs, Culture and Education, followed by an expert working group to verify linguistic, inscriptional and manuscript evidence, and culminating in substantive consideration of the constitutional and classical language proposals alongside DPR appraisal.

Karnataka's recent move and the broader context

The proposal comes shortly after the Karnataka Cabinet, at its 18 September meeting in Mangaluru, decided to accord Tulu the status of the state's second additional official language for administrative purposes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The state government has also announced an annual allocation of ₹82 lakh for translation, training and related implementation measures.

The Union government has previously acknowledged receiving proposals for Tulu's Eighth Schedule inclusion but has stated that there are currently no fixed constitutional criteria for adding languages to the Schedule — a position that advocates argue leaves the door open for a legislative push. The submission now requests the Prime Minister's Office to issue appropriate directions to the concerned ministries to initiate the inter-ministerial examination.