BENGALURU: In order to ensure more space to Kannada on name plates and advertisement boards, the state government is framing a new Act which is expected to be tabled in the coming winter session of the legislature to be held at Belagavi.
Kannada Development Authority (KDA) chairman S G Siddaramiah told The New Indian Express that the authority, in association with the departments of Labour, Parliamentary Affairs, Kannada and Culture, conducted various meetings to frame rules to ensure that the signs on at least 60% space on boards are in Kannada. The final meeting is slated to be held on October 26 where Kannada and Culture Minister Jayamala will be present.
In 2017, BBMP had issued a circular stating that 60% space in name boards should be given to Kannada on priority, failing which their trade licence would be cancelled. A few retailers went to the high court, which in turn questioned on what basis the circular had been issued. It even said there was no Act to implement this. In 2009 too, a similar attempt was made and the court had termed it as unconstitutional.
“Last time, since it was based on notification, mandatory space for Kannada on boards did not stand legal scrutiny. This time, there is no question of such lacunae. The bill will be passed in both Houses and get legal sanctity. It will be gazetted too,’’ he stated.
According to Siddaramiah, boards which include name plates of top officials, company names and malls should give more space to Kannada on priority. This also holds good for advertisement boards that are allowed on skywalks and at bus shelters. The guidelines should be followed, failing which various licences, including trade licensc, can be cancelled.
“Companies, some from outside the state and country, want our land, road, power and water. Unfortunately, they do not want to give space to our language,’’ he rued.
Reservation for Kannadigas
Kannada Development Authority (KDA) will also hold a meeting with the Labour Department on implementing parts of the Sarojini Mahishi report on reservation for Kannadigas in C and D group jobs in private companies in the state. “The same was announced in Siddaramiah’s budget presented in 2017, and even today it has not been implemented. It will be taken up in the coming assembly session in Belagavi,’’ S G Siddaramaiah, KDA chairman, added.