Minister says no compromise on use of Kannada in name boards

The order on mandatory use of Kannada in nameboards of shops and commercial complexes will be implemented strictly, said Bengaluru Development and Town Planning Minister K J George on Wednesday.

He was speaking at the Rajyotsava celebrations organised by the Akhila Karnataka Kannada Chalavali Kendra here.

"There has to be at least 60% of Kannada in nameboards of shops and commercial complexes. If this policy is not followed, we will cancel the trade licences of the shops," said BBMP commissioner N Manjunath Prasad at the Rajyotsava event in the BBMP office.

"A circular has been issued about three months ago regarding the mandatory inclusion of Kannada in nameboards of shops and malls. We can push the deadline forward for another month," he said.

The commissioner said trade licences will be issued for new shops only if they have implemented this rule.

Mayor R Sampath Raj said, "We will see to it that this order is implemented effectively in the city."

When asked about the expired deadline set by the Karnataka Development Authority to BBMP in this regard, George said, "The implementation of Kannada in nameboards should be strictly followed. We will hold a meeting again with the authorities and see to it that it is followed strictly."

"People from other states who come and reside here should learn Kannada and teach the language to their children. This is a stand taken by the government and there shall be no compromise on this. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clarified that no government school will be shut even if there is less number of students. We have taken measures to strengthen Kannada-medium schools," said George.

When members of the Akhila Karnataka Chalavali Kendra requested that a road in the city be named after D G Narayan Kumar, who was active in the Kannada movement, the minister said a decision will be taken by the government.