Mysuru civic body to ensure that 60% Kannada is used on signboards

Mysuru: Additional deputy commissioner R Aishwarya on Monday said that Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) will launch a campaign to ensure that at least 60% Kannada is used on signboards of shops and commercial establishments located on select roads in the city.

Speaking at a meeting held at the DC’s office auditorium on measures for the effective implementation of Kannada development programmes and to encourage public participation in implementing the state’s language policy, she said several department representatives are absent from for today’s meeting and warned that notices would be issued if departments failed to attend future meetings.

Kannada Development Authority nominated member T Gururaj said that traffic signboards should include Kannada at least on one side. In cases where police complaints are filed during pro-Kannada protests, the purpose of the protest should be clearly mentioned in the complaint. As Mysuru is a major tourist destination, he suggested that places such as petrol bunks and other establishments use the Kannada phrase “Nanna Mysuru” instead of the English phrase “I Love Mysuru”.

Another committee member Kadakola Kumaraswamy said some private schools had neither appointed Kannada teachers nor encouraged students to speak Kannada, and in some cases imposed fines for speaking the language. He urged the authorities to take appropriate action.

Another member KR Gopalakrishna said banks should increase the use of Kannada in challans and other public forms for the convenience of citizens. He also urged Central govt offices to prioritise the use of Kannada.