Deadline for implementation of Kannada signboard rule ends
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has claimed the rule has already seen a 98% compliance; Karnataka Rakshana Vedike says it conducted a random sample survey in select areas and found several gaps in the implementation
The Hindu, said: “The file related to the implementation was sent to BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. I am awaiting for direction from Mr. Nath on further course of action.”
B. Sannerappa, State general secretary, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, which spearheaded the campaign in December 2023 that degenerated into vandalism on December 27 in the city, said the vedike had also conducted a random sample survey in select areas and found several gaps in the implementation of the rule, contrary to BBMP’s claims.
He also said the implementation was not uniform across areas and there were several pockets where it was low.
“Many shops have covered the English name using plastic, cloth and pasted a sticker bearing a Kannada name. This is just a temporary arrangement. The BBMP should ensure that the shops install new signboards,” he said.
However, he said the vedike had also observed several big brands had complied with the rule replacing their entire signboards. “Outside Bengaluru, many shops in Belagavi, Mangaluru, Uttara Kannada have not implemented the rules. The local municipal authorities should implement the rule strictly,” he stressed.
Mohammad Nazim, vicepresident, Commercial Street Shop Owners’ Association, said that in Commercial Street about 90% of shopkeepers have complied with the law. “This 60:40 will become an issue as who determines which is 60 and which is 40. We are in Karnataka and we should respect the law of the State. But this should not be forced,” he said.
Arun Kumar of Malleswaram Shop Owners’ Association said in his area about 95% had already implemented the rule. A few shops have put up banners, while some have installed new boards. “The remaining 5% will comply with the law soon,” he added.