Karnataka: 60% Kannada now a must on business nameboards
Karnataka just made it official—businesses like shops, hospitals, hotels, and other commercial establishments now need at least 60% of their nameboards in Kannada.
Deputy Commissioners across the state have been told to strictly enforce this rule under the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022.
The announcement came from Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi on December 12.
Why should you care?
If businesses don't follow the new rule, they face fines starting at ₹5,000 and going up to ₹20,000 for repeat offenses—and in some cases, they could even lose their license.
This move follows earlier government pushes and protests by pro-Kannada groups asking for stronger language protection.
Now, companies will have to update their signs or risk penalties—so expect to see a lot more Kannada around town soon.