Karnataka cabinet approves 60% Kannada language rule on sign boards

The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) ordinance was okayed by the cabinet in their recent meeting.

Published on: Jan 6, 2024, 15:04:30 IST

By Yamini C S

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Days after the raging language row in Karnataka, the cabinet on Friday okayed an ordinance that enforces 60 per cent Kannada language on sign boards of shops, enterprises, institutions and other places.

A signboard of a business establishment after being vandalised by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike members in Bengaluru. (PTI)

The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) ordinance ensures that all sign boards and nameplates of commercial establishments, industries, hospitals and organisations will have to have 60 per cent Kannada language.

ALSO READ | Kannada language row simmers, CM Siddaramaiah promises to bring in ordinance

The language row took shape recently in Bengaluru and some other places across the state, wherein pro-Kannada group, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), held violent protests and vandalised properties in markets and business areas, especially attacking and damaging sign boards with majority writing in languages other than Kannada.

Visuals of the group members blackening name plates and running riot in the city went viral. They specifically also targeted the newly opened Phoenix Mall of Asia, which has been directed to be shut down till January 15, for traffic-related reasons.

ALSO READ | Karnataka HC orders Bengaluru police not to take any precipitative action on Phoenix Mall of Asia

Karnataka Rakshana Vedika president TN Narayan Gowda said the group's intention was to hold an “awareness rally” about the 60% Kannada rule.

Here are some other decisions hat the cabinet has taken in its most recent meeting:

It increased the upper age limit of eligible candidates who are interested in taking the competitive exams by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) by three years.
The cabinet also gave a green signal to the ₹45 crore Chamundeshwari Temple Development Scheme under the Central government scheme Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (Prasad).
Ministers even waived off ₹581.47 crore worth Motor Vehicle Tax given by all four state-run transport corporations including the KSRTC and the BMTC.
As many as 43 development works worth ₹800 crore have also been approved in Bengaluru city by its civic agency, the BBMP.

(With PTI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yamini C S
Yamini CS is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with nearly six years of experience in digital journalism. She is part of the India News desk, where she works on a wide range of stories cutting across civic issues, city-based developments, politics, governance, public policy, breaking news, trending topics, and international affairs that have an impact on India. Her role involves tracking fast-moving developments, verifying information from official and on-ground sources, and presenting news in a clear, accessible format for a digital-first audience. A significant part of her work includes handling live blogs during major news events, such as elections, court verdicts, political developments, civic disruptions, protests, weather-related alerts, and unfolding national or international incidents. Through live coverage, she focuses on timely updates to help readers follow complex stories as they evolve. Before moving to the broader India News desk, Yamini was associated with the Bengaluru desk at Hindustan Times, where she extensively covered urban governance, infrastructure, traffic and transport issues, weather events, public grievances, and civic administration in the city. This experience strengthened her grounding in city reporting and sharpened her focus on citizen-centric journalism. She began her career as a correspondent with Reuters after completing a postgraduate diploma in journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media. Her early training instilled a strong emphasis on accuracy, sourcing, and news ethics, which continue to shape her reporting style. Outside of work, Yamini enjoys reading across genres, listening to music, and spending time with her family, which help her maintain balance in a fast-paced newsroom environment.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated Bengaluru Weather Live and with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Bengaluru. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more across India . Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.