Protests have erupted in Bengaluru as activists express discontent over the prevalence of non-Kannada signboards, leading to acts of vandalism across the city.
Issue of Kannada Signboards:
Origin in the Early 2000s: The demand for Kannada signboards traces back to the early 2000s when Bengaluru emerged as a global IT hub. However, the circular issued by then Chief Minister S.M. Krishna in 2002 lacked legal backing.
Legal Challenges: Previous attempts to mandate Kannada signboards faced legal obstacles, with the High Court intervening and nullifying related rules in 2009 and 2014.
Recent Legislative and Protest Developments:
Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022: In 2022, the State Legislature enacted this law, compelling 60% of signboards to be in Kannada.
KRV’s Advocacy: The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) actively campaigned for the enforcement of this norm, leading to protests and subsequent acts of vandalism.
Government’s Ordinance: The state government intends to issue an ordinance to clarify the 60:40 rule for signboards and establish a compliance deadline of February 28.
Impact on Businesses:
Apprehension in the Business Community: The introduction of the new rule has caused anxiety among retailers, who fear increased vigilante actions and financial burdens associated with altering signboards.
Business Opposition: The Retailers Association of India and other business groups have voiced opposition to the mandate, citing concerns about its impact on Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan character and brand image.
Political Dimensions:
Election Significance: The language issue has gained political prominence ahead of parliamentary polls, with both the Congress and BJP taking positions on the matter.
Kannada as a Political Platform: Despite political consensus on promoting Kannada, it has not proven to be a successful political issue in the state.
Concerns Regarding Bengaluru’s Image:
Risk to Brand Bengaluru: The acts of vandalism and language-related controversies pose a potential threat to Bengaluru’s reputation as a global investment destination.
Calls for Government Intervention: Industry leaders and civic activists have urged the government to implement measures that restore confidence and safeguard the city’s inclusive culture.
Conclusion:
Need for Prudent Policies: The government is confronted with the challenge of promoting Kannada while preserving Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan and investor-friendly image.
Addressing Vandalism: Taking decisive action against vandalism and adopting a balanced approach to language policies is imperative to prevent further harm to Bengaluru’s brand and social harmony.