All government institutions in the State will switch over to Malayalam as the official language from May 1, according to an order issued here on Thursday.

The Administrative Reforms (Official Language) Department has issued a order directing all government, quasi-government, public sector, autonomous, and cooperative institutions to make Malayalam the official language.

The order, however, ensures the existing rights of Tamil and Kannada linguistic minorities residing in the State .

It allows English to be used for communication with Central government institutions, High Court, Supreme Court, other States, other nations and other linguistic minorities.

Warned of action

The order prescribes action against heads of departments and offices concerned for the failure to ensure Malayalam as the official language.

The officials have also been directed to review the progress every three months.