Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
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Highlights of the CM’s address in press conference after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on installation of sign boards on shops and commercial outlets.
• Section 17 (6) of the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Bill 2022 states that the with the approval of the government or local authority , the upper half of the signboards displaying the names of commercial industries,business establishments, institutes,counseling centers,hospitals,laboratories, recreation centers and hotels etc, should be in Kannada language.
•Earlier in the circular issued in 2018, the signboards must be in 60 percent Kannada and 40 % in other language.
Accordingly,17 (6) of the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act will be amended through an ordinance for immediate implementation by the commercial outlets before the deadline of February 28th .
• Rule 17(8) of the Act states that a prescribed percentage of the contents of all displaying advertisements and notices published for the information of the public in the State shall be in the Kannada language.
The classification of advertisements and the percentage of content to be displayed in Kannada shall be as prescribed by the State Government.
•This act applies to the entire state.
•This will also be implemented. Immediate action will be taken to issue the notification of this act and rules will be framed.
• The Government does not oppose a peaceful protest. We believe in democracy and constitution. But the government will not tolerate anybody going against the law,The CM categorically said.
• The Karnataka High Court has stated that protests can be carried out only at Freedom Park, Bengaluru.The Court has issued an order to the Government to maintain this order without fail.
• We will not oppose peaceful protests in the interest of the state. But the government will take action if the law is taken into hand.Individuals or private organizations should act according to the constitution.
I request no one should take law into their hands.It is the responsibility of the government to maintain law and order.
Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act 2022 will be implemented.Until then everyone should maintain law and order peacefully.Kannada is the supreme and administrative language of Karnataka. There is no compromise in this matter.
• All private institutions should install the signboards maintaining the ratio of 60:40 within the stipulated time frame.Public need not panic.
