In a decisive move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led a high-level meeting on December 28, focusing on the mandatory placement of Kannada nameplates in front of shops and offices across the state. The Chief Minister directed officials from the Kannada and Culture department to draft an ordinance enforcing a 60% requirement for Kannada nameplates, with the remaining 40% designated for other languages. The proposed ordinance aims to ensure a prominent presence of Kannada in commercial establishments.
During the meeting, Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for swift action, urging companies, organizations, and shops to replace their existing nameplates before the deadline of February 28, 2024. The Chief Minister assured the public that there is no cause for panic and that the transition would be carried out smoothly.
This initiative follows the directive from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath, who stated that commercial stores falling under the administrative body must comply with the 60% Kannada language nameplate requirement by the stipulated date in 2024. The move underscores the government’s commitment to promoting the local language and fostering linguistic identity in the business landscape.