Karnataka Raj Bhavan issued a statement clarifying that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot did not reject the ordinance regarding 60% signage in Kannada. Instead, he returned it to the State Government with advice. The ordinance was also returned with advice to present the bill before both Houses of the State Legislature for approval during the upcoming session scheduled to commence on February 12, 2024.
Karnataka Special Secretary to Governor Prabhu Shankar said, "It is reported in the newspapers and TV channels that, Hon'ble Governer has rejected the Karnataka Bhasha Samagra Abhivruddhi (Tiddupadi) Adhyadesha, 2024 (60% use of Kannada in signage boards) ordinance."
"In this regard, it is clarified that Governor has not rejected the said Ordinance rather the Ordinance has been returned to the State Government with the advice to present the said Bill before both the Houses of State Legislature for approval, since the notification for summoning both the Houses has already been issued which is scheduled to commence from 12 February, 2024," he said.
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Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot returned an ordinance requiring 60% usage of Kannada in business and establishment signboards to the state government.
On January 5, Karnataka cabinet approved the ordinance amending The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act to enforce greater use of the state's language in signage.