Is Bengali Now Mandatory on Signboards in Kolkata?

Synopsis

Kolkata's Municipal Corporation has taken a bold step by mandating that all businesses display signboards in Bengali, a move aimed at protecting the identity and pride of the language amidst ongoing political tensions. This change is not just about compliance; it's about cultural preservation and standing together as a community.

Key Takeaways

The KMC has mandated Bengali on all signboards.
This initiative aims to preserve linguistic pride.
Compliance is required within this month.
Failure to comply could lead to license cancellation.
The move is part of a broader cultural preservation effort.

Kolkata, Sep 7 (NationPress) Following a recent directive from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), it has become compulsory for shopkeepers and businesses to showcase signboards in the Bengali language. This initiative marks a significant shift in the city's commercial landscape.

From this point forward, all shops located within KMC jurisdiction are required to display their names in Bengali as well. This decision aligns with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's ongoing efforts to address the concerns of Bengali migrant workers facing challenges in BJP-controlled regions, as well as to safeguard the pride and identity of the Bengali language.

Kolkata Municipal Commissioner Dhaval Jain announced this circular on Saturday, emphasizing that the Bengali language must prominently appear on all city signboards.

It is important to note that a previous request made by the Municipal Commissioner on December 30 had not garnered sufficient compliance, leading to this mandatory mandate.

The circular specifies that to uphold linguistic integrity in all businesses, municipal gatherings, and institutions, the Bengali language must be displayed at the top of all hoardings and signboards. The directive insists that Bengali should be written at the top, rather than alongside other languages, and compliance is expected within this month. This order received approval from Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim.

In a related development, a recent incident involving a Trinamool Congress KMC councillor highlighted the importance of using Bengali during official meetings, when the Mayor made a pointed remark about a question posed in English.

KMC Chairman Mala Roy has urged ruling party councillors to communicate in Bengali during sessions, leading to an order that all questions must be raised in the Bengali language.

During discussions regarding signboards in a shopping mall, the Mayor warned that failure to comply with the Bengali signboard requirement could lead to the cancellation of the trade license for non-compliant shops.

Point of View

The KMC's directive to enforce the use of Bengali on signboards is a commendable effort to uphold cultural identity and linguistic rights within the city. It reflects a broader trend towards recognizing and valuing regional languages in the face of globalization. However, the execution of such policies must ensure inclusivity and respect for all languages spoken in the diverse fabric of India.