Sir,

This has reference to the news item under the title ‘Kannada name-boards: Defaulting business establishments warned’ (SOM dated Oct. 23, 2021).

Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Mayor, has in a press statement, said that it is mandatory for all commercial establishments  to have 60 percent Kannada and 40 percent English in their name- boards. Any violation to this rule will invite action, the release said. It is a welcome step indeed.

During my recent visit to Pune I have noticed that all sign-boards and destination boards in public transport (except before Central Government Offices and its Undertakings and in National Highways) are in Marathi language only, despite Pune being a Metropolitan City.

It is needless to mention that in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and in some other States also we find similar situation.

Even though there is nothing wrong in demanding for primacy to regional language, traders should be allowed to use English also like in Karnataka.

Tourists are worst affected if they do not know the local language. They become literally illiterate. Karnataka Government’s decision to promote national integration is laudable and deserves appreciation.

– V.K. Guruprakash, K.R. Mohalla, 30.10.2021

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