The Karnataka Cabinet recently approved a significant language-oriented ordinance, marking a new mandate for signboards across the state. The decision to implement a 60% Kannada language requirement on various signages was ratified during a recent cabinet meeting. The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) ordinance mandates that a majority of the content on signboards of shops, industries, hospitals, and other establishments must be in Kannada. This directive aims to emphasize the importance of the local language in public displays and representations.
The move follows a heated language dispute that erupted in Bengaluru and other regions in Karnataka. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada group, orchestrated protests and vandalized properties, especially targeting signboards predominantly displaying languages other than Kannada. The protests turned violent, resulting in disruptions and damage, including the temporary closure of Phoenix Mall of Asia until January 15 due to traffic-related concerns.
The president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedika, TN Narayan Gowda, clarified that the group intended to organize an “awareness rally” regarding the 60% Kannada language rule.
Additionally, the cabinet made several other decisions during its recent meeting:
- The upper age limit for candidates interested in taking competitive exams conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) was extended by three years.
- Approval was granted for the ₹45 crore Chamundeshwari Temple Development Scheme under the Central government’s Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (Prasad).
- A waiver of ₹581.47 crore worth of Motor Vehicle Tax was sanctioned for all four state-run transport corporations, including the KSRTC and the BMTC.
- The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the civic agency of Bengaluru city, greenlit 43 development works valued at ₹800 crore.
These decisions reflect the government’s focus on linguistic identity, administrative changes, and infrastructure development across various sectors in Karnataka.
Sources By Agencies
