BENGALURU: The Congress government in Karnataka is poised to take the ordinance route to enforce the allocation of 60% signboard space in all business establishments to
Kannada
, replacing the existing 50:50 ratio.
The government’s announcement came a day after some activists of the
Karnataka Rakshna Vedike
vandalised signboards in Bengaluru not adhering to the 60:40 ratio. The new stipulation was originally meant to be implemented by February.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has already directed all business entities to adhere to the new rule by February 28 or face action. Establishments elsewhere in the state are also required to comply with the change.
Chief minister
Siddaramaiah
said after a meeting on Thursday that the state government would amend Section 17 of the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, to ensure that Kannada occupies 60% of the signboards of all establishments. An ordinance will be notified first, followed by a move to get legislative approval during the assembly session scheduled for February.
While emphasising the state’s Kannada-first policy, the CM warned that the government would initiate punitive action against vandals. Deputy CM
DK Shivakumar
echoed him. “I am disturbed by the act of vandalism. Please follow the government's order on signboards. We are committed to protecting the citizens of the state.”
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