Additional Deputy Commissioner R Aishwarya announced on Monday that the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) will initiate a campaign to ensure that at least 60% Kannada is displayed on signboards of shops and commercial establishments along select roads in the city. The announcement was made during a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner's office auditorium, focusing on measures for the effective implementation of Kannada development programs and encouraging public participation in the state's language policy.
Warning to Absent Departments
Aishwarya noted that several department representatives were absent from the meeting and warned that notices would be issued if they failed to attend future meetings. She emphasized the importance of collective participation in promoting the Kannada language.
Suggestions from Kannada Development Authority
Kannada Development Authority nominated member T Gururaj proposed that traffic signboards should include Kannada on at least one side. He also recommended that when police complaints are filed during pro-Kannada protests, the purpose of the protest should be clearly mentioned in the complaint. Given that Mysuru is a major tourist destination, Gururaj suggested that places such as petrol bunks and other establishments use the Kannada phrase “Nanna Mysuru” instead of the English phrase “I Love Mysuru.”
Issues in Private Schools
Another committee member, Kadakola Kumaraswamy, highlighted that some private schools had neither appointed Kannada teachers nor encouraged students to speak Kannada. In some cases, fines were imposed for speaking the language. He urged authorities to take appropriate action against such practices.
Call for Kannada in Banks and Central Offices
Member KR Gopalakrishna stressed that banks should increase the use of Kannada in challans and other public forms for the convenience of citizens. He also urged Central government offices to prioritize the use of Kannada in their operations.
