Will Trade Licenses in Kolkata Face Cancellation for Not Using Bengali on Signboards?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation is set to enforce a directive mandating the use of Bengali on signboards. With potential cancellation of trade licenses looming, shop owners must comply. This initiative unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing protests, raising critical questions about language, identity, and local governance.
Key Takeaways
- KMC mandates the use of Bengali on signboards.
- Failure to comply may lead to trade license cancellation.
- Enforcement begins after the festive season.
- Monitoring teams will patrol for compliance.
- Other languages can be used but must not overshadow Bengali.
Kolkata, Sep 13 (NationPress) The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will revoke the trade licenses of shops and merchant establishments within its jurisdiction if the owners fail to comply with the directive mandating the use of the Bengali language on their signboards, stated Firhad Hakim, the Corporation Mayor and West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister during a media briefing on Saturday.
"With the festival season approaching at the end of this month, we will not enforce this directive immediately. However, we plan to implement it rigorously after the festive period concludes. Our officials will frequently monitor whether shop and merchant establishment owners are adhering to this requirement. Repeated offenders may face cancellation of their trade licenses," Hakim added.
Recently, there have been claims of mistreatment towards Bengali-speaking migrant workers from West Bengal in certain states governed by the BJP.
The Trinamool Congress, following instructions from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has initiated ongoing protests in the state to address this concern.
The KMC's emphasis on the compulsory use of the Bengali language on signboards aligns with the ongoing protest movement spearheaded by the ruling Trinamool Congress on this matter.
A senior official from KMC mentioned that a dedicated team will conduct surprise patrols throughout the corporation's jurisdiction to ensure compliance with this directive.
"Shop and merchant establishment owners are permitted to use any other language of their choosing on their signboards. However, the use of Bengali is mandatory and must be positioned at the top of the signboard. This initiative should not be perceived as an imposition of Bengali on non-Bengali individuals. The essence of Bengali is integral to the city. Thus, our aim is to uphold the dignity of Bengal across all sectors, both public and private," the KMC official elaborated.
Point of View
It is crucial to present an unbiased perspective on the recent directive from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. While the intention is to promote the Bengali language and protect cultural identity, it is essential to consider the implications for business owners and the diverse population of Kolkata. This approach seeks to balance cultural representation with economic realities.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new directive from KMC regarding signboards?
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has mandated that shop owners use the Bengali language on their signboards, with non-compliance potentially leading to the cancellation of trade licenses.
When will this directive be enforced?
The directive will not be enforced immediately due to the upcoming festival season but will be strictly implemented after the celebrations.
What happens if a shop owner does not comply?
Shop owners who fail to comply may face regular monitoring and, in cases of habitual non-compliance, the cancellation of their trade licenses.
Can shop owners use other languages on their signboards?
Yes, shop owners can use other languages, but the Bengali language must be prominently displayed at the top of the signboard.
What prompted this directive?
The directive is seen as a response to ongoing protests regarding the treatment of Bengali-speaking individuals and aims to reinforce the cultural identity of Bengal.
