In the aftermath of recent vandalism incidents that shook Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken decisive steps to address the situation and uphold the cultural identity of the state. A high-level meeting with officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Department of Kannada and Culture resulted in the announcement of a forthcoming ordinance.
The chief directive of this ordinance is aimed at commercial establishments, mandating that they display name plates with 60% Kannada content. Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for businesses in Karnataka to comply with these rules and reassured them against unnecessary panic.
“I directed the officials of BBMP and the culture department to pass an ordinance and implement the ‘60% Kannada’ rule on all name plates. Rules will be formed, and they will be notified to everyone,” stated the Chief Minister during the press briefing following the meeting.
The rationale behind this move is to prioritize the local language, Kannada, and ensure its prominence on business name plates. Siddaramaiah urged establishment owners to adhere to the guidelines set by the state government, emphasizing that changes must be made by February 28 for non-compliant name boards.
“It is important to prioritize the local language and highlight it in the name plates. Owners must change the name boards if they don’t have 60% Kannada on them by February 28. I assure safety for all businesses, and there’s no need to panic,” he added, attempting to allay concerns within the business community.
While addressing the press, the Chief Minister also took a strong stance against the recent acts of vandalism perpetrated by Karnataka Rakhsana Vedike. He condemned the actions, stating, “Nobody should take law and order into their own hands. We do not encourage any kind of vandalism in Bengaluru.”
This swift and measured response from the Karnataka government reflects a commitment to cultural preservation while maintaining law and order. As the state looks towards the future, the ‘60% Kannada’ rule signifies a proactive effort to integrate cultural identity into the commercial landscape of Bengaluru. The assurance of safety for businesses aims to create an environment of compliance without unnecessary fear, fostering a balanced and harmonious coexistence of cultural diversity within the state.
