Language Row Fallout? CAPFs Ask Nominated Officers About Kannada Proficiency For BHEL's Bengaluru Vacancy
In contrast, earlier recruitment notices for similar positions at BHEL's Ranipet facility in Tamil Nadu and the Visakhapatnam unit in Andhra Pradesh did not mandate proficiency in the respective regional languages
Amid the language row in several states, CAPFs have asked nominated officers at the rank of Assistant Commandant to inform their respective forces whether they are proficient in Kannada in response to a vacancy at BHEL, Bengaluru, for the position of Chief Security Officer (CSO).
According to a senior CRPF official, the requirement was included as per the specifications shared by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
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“In recent communications from BHEL regarding deputation for the CSO position in Bengaluru, candidates were specifically asked to indicate their proficiency in Kannada, the regional language of Karnataka," a senior CRPF official said.
The forces, including BSF, CRPF, and CISF, have received a substantial number of nominations from officers, even from specialised units like CoBRA, RAF, and VIP Security. These forces have responded to the battalions concerned, instructing them to confirm with the nominated officers whether they have adequate knowledge of Kannada, a senior government official aware of the development said.
In contrast, earlier recruitment notices for similar positions at BHEL’s Ranipet facility in Tamil Nadu and the Visakhapatnam unit in Andhra Pradesh did not mandate proficiency in the respective regional languages. For instance, a recruitment notice for artisans at BHEL Ranipet mentioned that “working knowledge of Tamil is desirable", indicating a preference rather than a strict requirement. Similarly, the recruitment policy document for BHEL does not specify language proficiency as a criterion for the position in Visakhapatnam.
A senior CRPF official stated that the forces should submit nomination lists without unnecessarily inquiring about language proficiency. The organisation can assess language skills during the selection process.
“Such deputations sometimes require knowledge of the local language, but it is not mandatory. Additionally, the forces submit nominations, and the organisations seeking officers on deputation decide how important language proficiency is for their selection. This requirement is not always mandatory and, in some cases, has not been asked at all," the official said.
Recently, amid the ongoing Kannada-Marathi language row in Karnataka, pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj had called for a state-wide bandh on March 22. The announcement followed a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver and conductor being assaulted by a group of youths following a language dispute in Belagavi on February 22.
Soon after, a Maharashtra bus driver was blackened with paint in Karnataka’s Chitradurga. Following these attacks, both states suspended bus services, citing safety concerns.
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