Bengaluru, Feb. 28 -- In a bid to promote the use of the Kannada language, the Karnataka government has issued a directive requiring all industrial and consumer products manufactured in the state to display their names and usage instructions in Kannada prominently, alongside other languages.

The state government issued a circular in this regard on February 15, stating that it applies to both government and private sectors.

"Language reflects the culture, tradition and values of the land. For a language to develop, production, marketing and business in that land must be in the local language. For the comprehensive development of the Kannada language and to provide better opportunities to Kannadigas in all spheres of life, the Government ...