Bengaluru Shops On Notice: Is The Deadline For 60% Kannada Language Nameplates Real?

Commercial establishments in Bengaluru must ensure that their storefront nameplates prominently feature Kannada text, constituting at least 60% of the display, by February 28, 2024. Failure to comply could result in the revocation of trade licenses and legal repercussions.

The specifics regarding whether the 60% threshold pertains to the size of the nameplate or the proportion of text utilized on the frontage remain unclear. Additionally, details regarding the nature of legal actions to be taken have not been explicitly outlined.

Tushar Giri Nath, Chief Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, highlighted plans to conduct a comprehensive survey of commercial establishments lining the city's 1400 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads, categorizing them by zones.

"Following the survey, shops found not meeting the 60% Kannada language requirement will receive notifications," stated Nath. "These establishments will then have time until February 28 to comply with the mandate, implement Kannada language prominently on their nameplates, and submit proof of compliance to their respective zone commissioners."

Nath also convened with representatives from Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, an organization championing Kannada usage. TA Narayana Gowda, the state president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, revealed that the group raised concerns with municipal authorities in Bengaluru after a shopping mall in Hebbal area flouted state government regulations for storefront signage.

While commercial entities are obligated to prominently display Kannada on their storefronts, enforcement of this rule has been lax, sparking protests from organizations like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.