Bengaluru, the IT hub of India, has become a battleground for the promotion of Kannada language. The city’s civic body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has issued a new rule that requires all commercial establishments to display at least 60% of their signboards in Kannada and 40% in English. The rule will come into effect by February 28, 2024, and violators will face cancellation of their trade licences.
The BBMP said that the rule was aimed at ensuring that Bengaluru, which is home to more than half a million people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, reflects its rich heritage and identity. The BBMP also said that the rule was in line with the state government’s directive to give prominence to Kannada in urban spaces.
The rule has been welcomed by some pro-Kannada groups and activists, who have been campaigning for the recognition and preservation of Kannada as one of the official languages of Karnataka. They have also been demanding that Kannada be taught as a compulsory subject in schools and colleges.
However, the rule has also faced opposition from some shopkeepers and traders, who have argued that it would be impractical and unfair to impose such a restriction on them. They have also claimed that it would affect their business as many customers from outside Karnataka may not be able to read or understand Kannada.
Some experts have also questioned the effectiveness and feasibility of the rule, saying that it may not have much impact on increasing the usage or awareness of Kannada among people. They have suggested that instead of focusing on language barriers, there should be more emphasis on improving education quality, infrastructure development, and social integration.
The BBMP has said that it will monitor and enforce the rule strictly and will take legal action against those who fail to comply with it. It has also appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with it in making Bengaluru a more inclusive and progressive city.
