Kolkata's Linguistic Mandate: Bengali Takes Center Stage on All Shop Signboards by September 30!

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is set to witness a significant linguistic shift across its commercial landscape. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued a resolute directive, making it mandatory for all shops, commercial establishments, and hotels within its extensive jurisdiction to prominently display their names in Bengali on their signboards.

The deadline for this comprehensive overhaul is set for September 30, a clear signal that the city is serious about reinforcing its linguistic identity.

This isn't merely a suggestion; it's a legal mandate rooted deeply in the state's legislative framework. The KMC's order draws its authority from the West Bengal Official Language Act, 1961—an act that has seen crucial amendments in 2012 and 2018 to strengthen its provisions.

Furthermore, it leverages the West Bengal Shops and Establishments Act, 1963, which was itself updated in 2022, providing a robust legal foundation for the current enforcement drive.

The core of the directive specifies that shop names must first be displayed in Bengali. While proprietors are free to include other languages, the Bengali script must be the most prominent, ensuring its visibility and primacy.

This isn't just about aesthetics; it's a practical measure. Many official communications, including vital property tax notices from the KMC, are primarily issued in Bengali. Ensuring signboards align with this language will streamline communication and identification for the local populace and authorities alike.

This isn't the first time such a call has been made.

Similar directives from both the state government and the KMC were issued in 2017 and 2021. However, these previous attempts saw only partial compliance, leaving many signboards unchanged. This time, the KMC is signaling a more rigorous approach, promising stringent enforcement.

Come October 1, KMC officials are poised to launch comprehensive inspections across the city.

The stakes are high for non-compliant businesses: failure to adhere to the new mandate could lead to severe repercussions, including the potential cancellation of their trade licenses. This uncompromising stance underscores the corporation's commitment to upholding the cultural and linguistic heritage of West Bengal.

Kolkata is not alone in this endeavor.

Other Indian states, notably Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, have similar linguistic mandates for commercial signboards, reflecting a broader trend across the nation to protect and promote regional languages in public spaces. For Kolkata, this move represents a powerful affirmation of its Bengali soul, ensuring that the city's vibrant language remains front and center in its bustling commercial life.