The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has issued a warning to the General Post Office (GPO) and the Central Excise Department with regard to non-compliance with the Official Language Rules 1976. The action was taken after the KDA inspected 79 central government undertakings to check the compliance with the Official Language Rules 1976.
According to the Rules, all communication, including sign boards, in central government departments located in Karnataka should be trilingual – in Kannada (the local language), Hindi and English.
Speaking at a press conference here on Sunday, KDA chairperson Mukhyamantri Chandru said that there was 90 per cent compliance with the Rules, and instances of departments that were not adhering to the trilingual policy were reported to their parent departments at the Centre.
“What we are also insisting is the usage of Kannada language in departments that deal directly with consumers, especially while giving receipts, website information and others,” he added.
Amendment
Mr. Chandru said that a request was made to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for an amendment in the Dr. Sarojini Mahishi Report, to which the Chief Minister “agreed in principle”. The report recommends a certain percentage of jobs to Kannadigas in public and private sector undertakings in the State.
“Many factories (companies) that are mentioned in the Dr. Sarojini Mahishi Report have shut down. And, there are over 600 Information Technology (IT) companies now that are out of the ambit of the report, which is why we are seeking an amendment,” he added.
