BBMP Mandates 60% Kannada Language Nameplates for Commercial Shops by February 28

BBMP Mandates 60% Kannada Language Nameplates for Commercial Shops by February 28

Written by Sanjay Kumar

• 60% Kannada language on shop nameplates by Feb 28; legal action for non-compliance.
• Arterial roads’ shops face notices; deadline for Kannada nameplates.
• Immediate Kannada adoption urged; disciplinary action in 15-20 days.

In a significant move to promote and preserve the cultural identity of Karnataka, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has directed all commercial establishments under its jurisdiction to install nameplates prominently featuring 60% Kannada language content by February 28. Failure to comply with this mandate will result in legal repercussions for non-compliant businesses.

Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡ)

Spoken language

• Region: Karnataka, Goa
• Early form: Old Kannada
• Ethnicity: Kannadigas
• Language family: Dravidian > Southern > Tamil–Kannada > Kannada–Badaga > Kannada
• Native speakers: L1: 44 million (2011); L2: 15 million; Total: 59 million
• Native to: India
• Pronunciation: ˈkɐnːɐɖa

Tushar Giri Nath, Chief Commissioner of BBMP, conveyed this directive during a meeting held at the Malleswaram IPP hall, where discussions with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike underscored the importance of using Kannada on nameplates for all types of commercial shops.

Mr. Nath emphasized the upcoming survey of commercial establishments situated along the city’s 1400 km arterial and sub-arterial roads. Zonal commissioners will issue notices to businesses found lacking the prescribed 60% Kannada language on their nameplates. The identified shops will then be granted until February 28 to implement the language requirement and submit compliance reports to their respective zone commissioners.

Striking a stern tone, Mr. Nath warned of strict action against businesses failing to adhere to the directive. He clarified that legal proceedings would be initiated, leading to the suspension and subsequent cancellation of licenses for those who do not comply by the stipulated date.

Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Mr. Nath urged immediate consultation with major malls in the city. He insisted that these malls adopt Kannada language on nameplates within 15-20 days; otherwise, disciplinary measures, as per the law, would be taken against them.

The meeting witnessed the presence of key officials, including Deputy Commissioner Manjunatha Swamy, Chief Engineer Praveen Lingaya, State President of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Narayan Gowda, and representatives from Kannada Sangh, demonstrating the collective commitment to the effective implementation of the government order and corporation circular.

This move by BBMP aligns with broader efforts to reinforce the cultural identity of Karnataka and ensure the prominent usage of Kannada in commercial spaces across the city.

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