Kannada signboards: deadline set

Kannada signboards: deadline set

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

Warning: Labour Minister B.N. Bache Gowda (left) and KDA Chairman ‘Mukhyamantri’ Chandru at a press conference in Bangalore on Thursday.

BANGALORE: The State Government has decided to impose a fine of Rs. 10,000 on owners of shops and other establishments who refuse to display Kannada signboards from January 1, 2009.

Minister for Labour B.N. Bache Gowda and Kannada Development Authority (KDA) Chairman ‘Mukhyamantri’ Chandru told presspersons here on Thursday that all shops and commercial establishments had been instructed to display signboards in Kannada prominently before the end of this year. A notification had been issued empowering the authorities to impose a fine of Rs. 10,000 on all establishments that failed to display signboards in Kannada, they said.

Mr. Chandru warned that the Government would cancel the licences of shops and other commercial establishments if they continued to flout the rules even after they were fined.

He said it was a common sight in most parts of the State to see signboards displayed in English. The KDA wanted to ensure that any signboard displayed in public gave prominence to Kannada. Signboards could follow the three-language formula with Kannada given pride of place, he said.

Mr. Chandru also stressed the need for implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report, which has recommended reservation in jobs for Kannadigas even in private firms.
Holiday

Mr. Gowda said the Labour Department had issued an order directing all private industries and factories to declare a holiday on Kannada Rajyotsava Day (November 1).

Cases would be registered against those who disobeyed the order.