From the Official Language Act of 1969 to the Malayalam Language Bill: how Malayalam became Keralam's sole official language
Background
Kerala Piravi on 1 November is also observed as Malayalam Language Day, opening the State's Official Language Week.
The effort to run the administration in Malayalam began under the first ministry of E.M.S. Namboodiripad, and a committee led by K.C. Achutha Menon studied it in 1957.
The Kerala Official Language Act was passed in 1969, and a 2015 notification made Malayalam the administrative language of all departments.
The Malayalam Language (Promotion and Enrichment) Bill, 2015 was rejected by the President.
The Assembly then passed the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 on 10 October 2025, and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar signed it in March 2026.
It makes Malayalam the sole official language and the compulsory first language up to Class 10 in government and aided schools.
Students from other States and abroad are exempt from Malayalam exams in Classes 9 and 10 and Higher Secondary, and a non-obstante clause protects linguistic minorities.
In plain words
Non-obstante clause Non-obstante clause — A clause that applies notwithstanding anything else in the law, used here to protect minority language rights.
Official Language Week Bharana Bhasha Varam — The week from Kerala Piravi on which the State promotes Malayalam in administration.