PoliticsPhoto: Deccan HeraldKarnataka's Definition of Kannadiga Evolved Over 40 Years
In 1985, the Dr Sarojini Mahishi committee defined a Kannadiga as someone who can speak, read, and write Kannada, not just a resident of Karnataka. The 1971 census showed 32.37% of Bengaluru's population spoke Kannada, rising to 44% in 2011. The committee recommended private companies receiving state benefits must hire Kannadigas for all posts except top administrative roles. This definition has evolved since then.
Deccan Herald··Bengaluru


