Karnataka Governor Returns Kannada Signboard Ordinance, Deputy CM Shivakumar Urges Reconsideration

The decision to pursue the ordinance was prompted by violent protests from pro-Kannada groups in Bengaluru targeting businesses that did not use of Kannada on nameboards.

The Budget session of the Karnataka Legislature is set to take place from February 12 to 23.

Source : File Photo

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot returned an ordinance requiring 60% usage of Kannada in business and establishment signboards to the state government, as disclosed by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday. The Karnataka cabinet approved the ordinance on January 5 amending The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act to enforce greater use of the state's language in signage. 

On Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot rejecting the ordinance on 60% signage in Kannada, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar as per ANI said, "It is very unfortunate. The Governor shouldn't have rejected it. It is a state issue. It is the honour of Karnataka. I request the Governor to reconsider the decision."

"There is no objection anywhere. It is a very progressive thought. I request the Governor to reconsider it and give permission that we will pass it in the Assembly. No doubt, we will pass it," he said.

#WATCH | On Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot rejecting ordinance on 60% signage in Kannada, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "It is very unfortunate. The Governor shouldn't have rejected it. It is a state issue. It is the honour of Karnataka. I request the Governor to… pic.twitter.com/kmMZXstOco

— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2024

 

The decision to pursue the ordinance was prompted by violent protests from pro-Kannada groups in Bengaluru targeting businesses that were perceived to not adequately prioritize the use of Kannada on nameboards.

 
The ordinance mandated the use of Kannada in the upper half of business boards.

It is said that the Governor may have sent the ordinance back to the government, considering that the Legislature session is around the corner, official sources said, as per PTI.

 

The Budget session of the Karnataka Legislature is set to take place from February 12 to 23.