Akali Dal seeks primacy of Punjabi on NH signboards

CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has urged Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari to ensure the primacy of Punjabi language on signboards on national highways in the state, saying the people of Punjab were “hurt” by the “current treatment”.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote to Gadkari, saying it was unfortunate that Punjabi was not given primacy on signboards on national highways in the state.

“I request you to give requisite directions to correct this anomaly immediately,” Badal wrote to Gadkari.

He said the “current treatment” meted out to Punjabi on signboards “had not only hurt the sentiments of the people” but was also “causing inconvenience”.

“Punjabis will be more comfortable with signages in Punjabi on all signboards as they constitute a majority of commuters on state roads,” the former chief minister said.

Stating that due respect be accorded to Punjabi, Sukhbir said: “We are not against any language but feel the sentiments of Punjabis should also be accorded due respect”.

He said that all signboards on national highways should have signs in Punjabi, Hindi and English in descending order.

The Akali leader pointed out that the Punjab Official Language Act, 1963, stipulates that Punjabi should be written on top on all official signboards in the state.

He said all signboards of the National Highways Authority should be in consonance with the Act.