Mangaluru DC Enforces Kannada on Signboards and Forms in Commercial Drive
In a significant move to promote the local language, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV has mandated that all commercial establishments in Mangaluru must display their names in Kannada on signboards as a condition for obtaining trade licences. This directive was issued during the District Kannada Awareness Committee meeting held at the deputy commissioner's office on Monday, aiming to strengthen the use of Kannada in public and commercial spaces.
Comprehensive Language Requirements for Businesses
The DC emphasised that urban local bodies and gram panchayats should impose this condition when granting trade licences to commercial establishments. Regular checks will be conducted to ensure compliance. Specifically, the city corporation will be instructed to enforce that shops operating in city malls display their names in Kannada on signboards. This requirement extends to all types of shops, companies, and offices, including hotels, making it mandatory for them to showcase their names in the local language.
Expanding Kannada Usage Beyond Commercial Spaces
Beyond commercial establishments, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will be directed to provide information in Kannada on various signboards along national highways. Additionally, banks will be instructed in committee meetings to offer application forms in Kannada, addressing a long-standing concern for local residents. The DC highlighted that even English medium schools and colleges, while teaching in English, must have their signboards displaying school names in Kannada. Measures will also be taken to ensure that private buses display the names of places in Kannada, enhancing accessibility for Kannada-speaking commuters.
Addressing Broader Language and Employment Issues
During the meeting, committee members raised critical issues such as the closure of Kannada medium schools in rural areas due to a lack of teachers, stressing the need for immediate intervention. They also pointed out that some industries employ workers from other states, neglecting local job seekers, which exacerbates unemployment among residents. Furthermore, it was noted that nationalised banks should provide deposit and withdrawal slips in Kannada, as staff without knowledge of Kannada in rural banks are causing difficulties for locals in conducting banking transactions.
Future Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
In a related development, MP Srinath, president of the District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, demanded the district administration's approval for land to construct a district Kannada bhavana in Mangaluru. This initiative aims to create a cultural hub dedicated to promoting Kannada literature and language, further supporting the DC's efforts to bolster the local linguistic heritage.
Overall, these measures represent a concerted push by the district administration to integrate Kannada into everyday commercial and public life, addressing both practical and cultural aspects of language use in Mangaluru.
