Signs are a-changing: Adopt Kannada or pay Rs 10,000

ALL ON BOARD: Karnataka government makes signboards in Kannada compulsory.

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Bangalore: Kannada activism is going to cost shopkeepers in Bangalore a pretty penny.

A new order issued by Karnataka government, effective from November 1, has made signboards in Kannada compulsory, failing which a fine of Rs 10,000 would be levied.

The rule also mandates that the size of the lettering in Kannada should be identical to the English ones. the smaller signboards will have to be changed. The deadline to switch over to the new signboard format is January 1.

“First and second offence would attract a penalty of Rs 10,000. The third time, the offender would be prosecuted,” Labour Minister, B N Bachche Gowda, said.

The penalty used to be just Rs 100 before — something that people could take quite lightly.

While some say Rs 10,000 is too heavy, others say it’s important for the proper implementation of the order. A lot expressed their discontent over the use of a regional language, especially in a cosmopolitan city like Bangalore.

The last few months have seen quite a few shops adding on Kannada to their signboards due to the stepped up Kannada activism in the state.