Ahead of Kannada Rajyotsava, Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) authorities have begun removing commercial boards, banners, hoardings, and name boards that do not comply with government regulations. The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Act of 2024 requires 60% of the text on signage to be in Kannada, with the language prominently displayed in the upper half. On Monday, a campaign led by BCC Commissioner Shubha B kicked off, focusing on non-compliant boards along the Kannada Rajyotsava procession route, continuing through Tuesday and extending into Wednesday.
Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Reshma Talikoti, Health Officer Sanjiv Nandre, Assistant Executive Engineer (Environment) Hanumant Kaladagi, and other officials participated in the operation. Health Officer Nandre noted, “We removed around 90% of non-Kannada boards during the Lok Sabha elections. Now, we are addressing the remaining ones along the procession route.”
Pro-Kannada organizations had recently protested, demanding action against violators and giving BCC a two-week deadline to comply with the language regulations. The newly appointed Commissioner Shubha B emphasized her commitment to addressing these violations. According to BCC officials, many establishments, particularly branded companies, still display English-dominant boards, despite repeated reminders to adhere to the state’s guidelines.
