Online campaign seeking removal of signage triggered move

Triggered by an online campaign, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has issued a notice to the Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL), seeking an explanation on the use of Hindi in signages and announcements in Namma Metro.

The notice, which sought an explanation in seven days from Pradeep Singh Kharola, Managing Director, BMRCL, cites provisions of the Karnataka Shops and Establishments Act, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) Services, and directives of the Union Home Ministry. It further stated that there was a prima facie violation of provisions of law by BMRCL.

The notice was issued in the backdrop of a highly successful online campaign on Twitter, where an organisation called the Banavasi Balaga Prakashana used the hashtag #NammaMetroHindiBeda to seek the State government’s intervention in removing Hindi signages. The campaign claimed that such signages was a case of “imposition” of Hindi on Karnataka.

S.G. Siddaramaiah, Chairman, KDA, termed the BMRCL move to use Hindi in Bengaluru Metro as “unnecessary imposition of Hindi”.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Siddaramaiah argued that BMRCL was like the KSRTC or BMTC which were owned by the State government, though they utilised Central funds, and hence had to follow the bilingual policy --- of only using Kannada and English.

However, he clarified that the Central government establishments, such as the airport or Indian Railways should use all three languages. The use of Kannada at all levels is also mandated by the DPAR under the State’s language policy and a circular by the Union Home Ministry also insisted on the “prominent” use of regional language.

Asked if there was clarity on which language to use and where, Mr. Kharola simply said, “We are following the Government of India rules,” but did not elaborate.