Karnataka Govt Extends Deadline For 60% Kannada Signage Rule By 2 More Weeks

Karnataka government has given two more weeks to the business establishments to ensure 60 per cent Kannada on signages.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said that the deadline given to commercial establishments to ensure at least 60 per cent Kannada content in signage has been extended by two more weeks. Earlier this month, a bill was introduced in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly proposing a requirement for businesses and establishments to use Kannada in 60 percent of their signboards. 

"Considering that it takes time to change the signage, Karnataka Govt has decided to extend the deadline given to commercial establishments by 2 more weeks so that the 60% signage in Kannada rule can be followed," said the Karnataka Deputy CM on Thursday. 

"It is important that we uphold our mother tongue in utmost respect, therefore we expect this law will be duly followed, and we shall see compliance to it by the end of the 2 week extended period," he added. 

The bill, titled the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024 proposed to ensure that commercial, industrial, and business establishments, as well as trusts, counseling centers, hospitals, laboratories, amusement centers, and hotels, among others, operating with government or local authority approval and sanction, prominently display 60 percent of their signage in the Kannada language.

The bill also emphasises that Kannada must occupy the upper half of the name board. 

Additionally, the bill also proposes to amend the Act to designate the Director of the Directorate of Kannada and Culture as a Member, and the Secretary of the Kannada Development Authority as the Convener of the "State Level Committee."

This committee will serve as an enforcement authority for the implementation of the official language.