Karnataka Cabinet Approves Ordinance Mandating 60% Kannada Content On Signboards

The move comes after CM Siddaramaiah said the government would enact an ordinance to ensure compliance last month.

The CM was reacting to large-scale vandalism in Bengaluru by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike targetting shops and businesses without Kannada signboards

The Karnataka cabinet gave the nod to Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) ordinance on Friday. With the nod, commercial establishments, industries, hospitals and institutions and organisations are expected to have 60 per cent Kannada on the signboards and nameplates.

In accordance with the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, the stipulation is that the upper half portion of signboards must be in Kannada, while the lower half can be in any other language.

The move comes after CM Siddaramaiah said the government would enact an ordinance to ensure compliance last month. The CM was reacting to large-scale vandalism in Bengaluru by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike targetting shops and businesses without Kannada signboards. Condemning the vandalism, CM Siddaramaiah said, "We are not opposed to protests. We will not oppose anyone who raises their voice against injustice or seek justice, but will take action against those who take the law into their hands."

The KRV has organised multiple protests demanding a 60% allocation of space on signboards for displays in the Kannada language.

On Friday, the cabinet as a one-time measure gave also nod to increase the upper age limit by three years to all the eligible candidates who write competitive exams by the Karnataka Public Service Commission to fill vacant seats as per Karnataka Gazzetted Probationers Rule- 1997.

The cabinet gave its approval for Rs 45 crore Chamundeshwari Temple Development Scheme, which falls under Central government's Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (Prasad).

Additionally, the cabinet made the decision to waive off Motor Vehicle Tax totaling Rs 581.47 crore, applicable to the four state-owned transport corporations, including the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation.

Furthermore, the cabinet approved 43 development projects in Bengaluru city, with a cumulative value of Rs 800 crore, to be undertaken by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).