The Aryavarth Express
Agency( Bengaluru): In a significant development within Bengaluru’s commercial landscape, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has successfully enforced a linguistic mandate requiring that 60% of the space on shop name boards be dedicated to the Kannada language. As of the latest update, an impressive tally of 49,732 shops and business entities have aligned with this regulation, following the issuance of formal notices by the BBMP. However, a minority of 625 establishments has yet to adjust their signage to comply with the new rule.
Initially, the BBMP had designated February 28 as the cutoff for adherence to this linguistic policy within the city’s confines. Nonetheless, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, recognizing the challenges and adjustments required by the business community, granted an additional two-week grace period to facilitate compliance. This extension reflects the government’s commitment to promoting the local language while also accommodating the logistical needs of Bengaluru’s diverse commercial sector.
The adherence to this rule by a vast majority of shop owners, some of whom have opted for temporary modifications to their signage, underscores the willingness of the business community to embrace local cultural norms and regulations. The move not only promotes the visibility and prevalence of Kannada in the city’s commercial arenas but also fosters a sense of local identity and pride among the populace.
Despite the substantial compliance, the presence of 625 non-compliant shops signals the need for continued oversight and engagement by the BBMP to ensure full adherence across the board. The implementation of this rule is a key step towards balancing the cultural heritage of Karnataka with the dynamic and multicultural fabric of Bengaluru’s urban environment.
