Bangalore: In a significant move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on Thursday that businesses must display nameplates in Kannada language, constituting 60% of the content. An ordinance reinforcing this requirement is anticipated to be formally announced soon. The decision emanated from a crucial high-level meeting headed by CM Siddaramaiah, concentrating on the installation of Kannada nameplates at the front of shops and offices statewide. The meeting witnessed active participation from officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Culture Department.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah stated, "I have instructed officials of the Kannada and Culture departments to draft an ordinance mandating 60% Kannada language on nameplates and 40% for other languages. This will be notified, and rules will be formulated." He further urged companies, organizations, and other businesses to change their nameplates before February 28, 2024, adding, "People need not panic."

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara highlighted the existing act aimed at safeguarding Kannada language and culture, noting, "There is already an act to protect Kannada language and culture. An amendment is required to Section 17, sub-section 6, specifying the percentage (of language) for nameboards, etc. The 60:40 (Kannada to a secondary language) ratio will be introduced through an ordinance."

Previously, the Kannada Raksha Vedhike organized a protest in Bengaluru, tearing down the nameboards of businesses that failed to feature Kannada nameplates. Activists asserted that these establishments were "undermining the official language of Karnataka, which is Kannada."

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