Days after pro-Kannada protesters vandalized English signboards in Bengaluru, the Karnataka cabinet has approved strengthening the law to mandate 60% Kannada text on all signages across the state. The updated Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Act, 2024 will be introduced via an ordinance for immediate effect.
The move comes after recent demonstrations by Kannada outfits against the predominant use of English on signboards and shops. What started as an online campaign on December 27 took a violent turn as activists created havoc in Bengaluru city.
Investor Concerns Over Soft Government Response
Many investors expressed worries that the state government and police did not act strongly enough on the vandalism, which brought IT capital Bengaluru to a standstill. They felt this could harm the city’s global image.
New 60:40 Rule for Languages on Signboards
As per Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, the amended law will mandate 60% space for Kannada text on signboards and name plates, with the remaining 40% for other languages. Citing an old circular, he said these original proportions had been wrongly changed to 50:50 in the latest amendment.
The updated legislation brings back the 60:40 distribution in line with the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act of 2022. It aims to promote the supremacy of the local language within the state. Strict penalties will be introduced for violators.
Recently, the municipal body BBMP also directed all city shops to prominently display Kannada signboards by February 28. As per its zoning survey, 60% of text on commercial establishment name boards must be in Kannada, with 40% for English/other languages.
