In a significant new directive, hotels, restaurants, homestays, and various commercial establishments throughout Kodagu – renowned for its coffee plantations and a prime tourist destination in Karnataka – are now required to display at least 60% of the text on their nameboards in Kannada.
This instruction was issued by Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja on Friday, who ordered all relevant departments to ensure rigorous implementation of the State government’s mandate for Kannada usage on signboards.
During a meeting held at his office in Madikeri, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the government’s recent notification. This rule is now enforceable across a wide array of entities, including shops, commercial complexes, industrial units, schools, colleges, government offices, and tourist centers within the picturesque hill station.
Mr. Venkataraja elaborated that the Karnataka Comprehensive Development of Kannada (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which received the Governor’s assent on February 25, makes it compulsory for all industrial, commercial, and business establishments to allocate a minimum of 60% of their nameboard content to Kannada. Local bodies and concerned departments have been tasked with taking the necessary actions for effective enforcement.
The Act applies to every institution that has obtained approval or permission from either the government or local authorities. This includes private schools, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, entertainment venues, and hotels, all of which must now prominently feature Kannada on their signage, he added.
Highlighting the critical need to promote Kannada, particularly in border regions and private educational institutions, the Deputy Commissioner warned of impending penalties for non-compliance. A fine of ₹5,000 will be imposed for a first offense, escalating to ₹10,000 for a second. Repeated violations could also lead to the cancellation of operational licenses.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya, Additional Superintendent of Police Barike Dinesh Kumar, and Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department Kumar were also present at the meeting, providing details on how these Kannada nameboard regulations will be enforced within their respective jurisdictions.