Kolkata, 13 September (H.S.): Kolkata Municipal Corporation has made it mandatory to use Bengali language on signboards of shops and commercial establishments. The corporation has clearly instructed that the name of every establishment should be written in Bengali at the top and in big letters on the signboard. Trade licenses of those who do not follow the rule will be canceled.
Recently, the political atmosphere turned heated after incidents of allegedly attacks on Bengali migrant laborers in some BJP-ruled states. In the same context, Trinamool Congress has taken the initiative to save the reputation of Bengali language and the Municipal Corporation administration has also been activated in this direction.
The Municipal Corporation has said that no additional pressure will be put on traders during the busy season of Durga Puja. But after Kali Puja, an inspection campaign will be conducted across the city. During that time, if any shop or establishment does not put up a Bengali signboard, strict action will be taken against them.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said, “The trade license of those traders who do not put up signboards in Bengali language will be cancelled. Traders are busy during the Puja time, so we will inspect after Kali Puja.”
Discussion has started among the business community regarding this decision. Some traders are considering it a welcome step to promote language and cultural identity. At the same time, some traders are worried that it will take extra cost and time to change the old signboards.
The Municipal Corporation claims that the purpose of this step is not to put pressure on the traders but to strengthen the cultural and linguistic identity of Kolkata. A corporation official said, “Bengali is the soul of this city. Therefore, our aim is to ensure the prestige of Bengali everywhere, government and private.”
After Kali Puja, the special team of the corporation will inspect the entire city. After this, a new scene will be seen in the shops and business establishments of Kolkata where Bengali language will be at the top.
Last week, in the monthly meeting of the corporation, BJP councilor Sajal Ghosh also supported this proposal and demanded that the minimum size of Bangla letters should also be determined. Along with this, the Municipal Corporation has also started using the Bangla language in passing the maps of buildings. Also, in the monthly session, the councilors have also been instructed to ask questions in Bangla.
This report has been published from a syndicated feed. the content has not been edited by The Central Post staff.
