The Karnataka Legislative Assembly recently passed a significant bill aimed at promoting the use of Kannada on signboards throughout the state. Known as the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024, this legislation has garnered widespread attention due to its implications for language usage in various sectors.

One of the most crucial provisions of the bill is the requirement for Kannada to occupy a prominent position on name boards, specifically in commercial, industrial, and healthcare establishments. According to the bill, Kannada must cover at least 60% of the space on these signboards, emphasizing the government's commitment to preserving and promoting the state's native language.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly
Image: English Jagran

Implementation Mechanisms:

In order to effectively implement the provisions outlined in the bill, the Karnataka government has devised a comprehensive strategy. Central to this strategy is the establishment of a State Level Committee tasked with overseeing the implementation process. This committee, which comprises key stakeholders such as the director of the Directorate of Kannada and Culture and the secretary of the Kannada Development Authority, will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with the new regulations. Additionally, the government plans to introduce fines for businesses found to be in violation of the Kannada language requirement.

To further support enforcement efforts, task forces and enforcement wings will be set up in each district. Furthermore, committees will be formed in Bengaluru's municipal zones to address complaints regarding non-compliance. These committees will be supported by a dedicated mobile application called 'Kangavalu', which will streamline the process of reporting and resolving issues related to language usage on signboards.

Reasons for the Bill:

The decision to introduce the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was prompted by growing concerns over the declining usage of Kannada on signboards, particularly in urban areas such as Bengaluru. Pro-Kannada groups have been vocal in their protests against businesses that fail to prioritize the use of the native language on their signage. These protests highlighted the need for legislative intervention to address the issue effectively.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's advice to present the ordinance as a bill underscored the importance of taking a legislative route to enact lasting change in language usage policies. The overwhelming support for the bill in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly reflects the government's commitment to upholding the cultural and linguistic identity of the state.

Ongoing Enforcement Efforts:

In anticipation of the bill's passage, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has already taken proactive measures to enforce the 60% Kannada rule on signboards. Thousands of notices have been issued to businesses that are found to be non-compliant with the new regulations. These enforcement efforts demonstrate the government's determination to ensure widespread adherence to the language requirements outlined in the bill. Discussions within the legislative assembly have emphasized the importance of imposing fines on businesses that fail to comply with the Kannada language mandate.

By imposing penalties for violations, the government aims to send a clear message about the seriousness of the issue and the need for strict enforcement of the new regulations. These ongoing enforcement efforts are crucial for the successful implementation of the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and for promoting the use of Kannada in various sectors across the state.

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