Bengaluru: The row over usage of Hindi in Namma Metro stations seem to have got further boost with the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) expressing dissatisfaction over the BMRCL's reply on using Hindi on its signages.
KDA chairman Prof S.G. Siddaramaiah has directed BMRCL to stick to dual language policy and restrain from using Hindi on the name boards. He further sought action taken report within 15 days.
In a letter dated July 6, addressed to BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola, Professor Siddaramaiah stated, "We have gone through your reply letter dated July 3, justifying the usage of Hindi and feel that your justifications aren't any valid."
Prof Siddaramaiah further went on to point out that, in a letter dated June 21, 2016, sent by BMRCL addressed to Additional Chief Secretary, it was clearly mentioned that in the tripartite agreement between Centre, state and BMRCL there wasn't any language related policy.
Stressing that Namma Metro is a state government agency, Prof Siddaramaiah clarified that way back in 1963, the state government had passed orders to all state run organisations to adhere to two language policy (Kannada and English).
He even clarified that the Central Language Policy 1976 could not be applied to Namma Metro.
Meanwhile, pro-Kannada faction headed by Praveen Shetty, defaced the name board of a few shops located in a mall for not having information in Kannada. "Most boards did not have the names in Kannada prominently. It was against the rules. We brought this to the notice of corporation authorities and the police," Shetty said."Since no action was taken, boards have been defaced. This is a symbolic protest. In the days to come we will intensify our agitation,” he warned.
