While it will be mandatory for all establishments to ensure that 60% of the signage is in Kannada from November 1, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has decided that they will not immediately cancel licences. The rule applies to renewals as well as applications for new licences.
BBMP Commissioner B.H. Anil Kumar said the civic body will take steps to create awareness. “We will start serving notices from November 1, but will extend the time probably till the end of the month within which all the establishments should have 60% of their signage in Kannada.”
According to Mayor M. Goutham Kumar, a majority of the establishments had already changed their signage in accordance with the new rule. “But they need more time to change the LED display boards. We have decided that the rule will be strictly implemented a month from now,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Welcoming the move, Sajjan Raj Mehta, trade activist, said that the authorities concerned should make sure that not only do they enforce the new rule but also not let individuals or groups to take the law into their hands.