Forum urges CM to frame rules for Malayalam Language Act

Eminent names from the cultural, literary, and other spheres in Keralam, under the umbrella of the Aikya Malayala Prasthanam, have urged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to implement the Malayalam Language Act to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the State’s formation.

In a representation, prominent figures such as Adoor Gopalakrishnan, George Onakkoor, V. Madhusoodhanan Nair, C. Radhakrishnan, K. Satchidanandan, M. Mukundan, and N.S. Madhavan have pointed out that though Keralam was formed in 1956 along linguistic lines with Malayalam as its language, it neither had a language policy nor planning. Malayalam was not seen as the foundation of the State’s development nor was it projected with pride. Governments too were responsible for the neglect of Malayalam. This should change.

The Malayalam Language Bill that was passed by the State Assembly in October last year became an Act after the Governor gave his assent in March this year. However, only on implementation could the Act be said to have achieved its objective. Seven months after Malayalam was declared the official language of Kerala, the Act was yet to get Rules. This was a matter of concern.

On Kerala Piravi day (November 1) this year, Rules for the Malayalam Language Act should be framed and the State government should declare that Act will be implemented effectively, the representation sought.

Some of the other signatories include C.V. Balakrishnan, M.N. Karassery, V.N. Murali, K.N. Ganesh, Subhash Chandran, Ezhacherry Ramachandran, P.K. Rajasekharan, Ambikasuthan Mangad, R.V.G. Menon, Alankode Leelakrishnan, Kaleeswaram Raj and M.R. Thampan.