In a move to promote Tamil language, Puducherry government has mandated that all shops and establishments in the Union Territory must display their names in Tamil on signboards. The announcement was made by Chief Minister N Rangasamy during the Assembly session on Tuesday, following a plea from Independent legislator G Nehru alias Kuppusamy during Zero Hour.
Rangasamy assured that the government would issue strict circulars to ensure compliance. “Strict instructions will be issued through the circular, ensuring that shop owners display Tamil versions of their establishment names on signboards,” he stated, as per a report on PTI. Nehru emphasised the importance of implementing the directive without leniency, calling it a step towards honouring Tamil’s cultural significance.
Additionally, the government has decided to include Tamil versions in all official government function invitations to reinforce the language’s prominence in public affairs.
In another major development, PWD and Fisheries Minister K Lakshminarayanan informed the Assembly about a Rs 1,000 crore coastal protection project to combat sea erosion along Puducherry’s 24-kilometer coastline. The project will involve placing boulders along the shore and is expected to receive central government funding.
Kannada In Karnataka Signboard
Puducherry’s decision follows a similar move in Karnataka, where the government last year passed the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The legislation mandates that 60% of all business signboards must be in Kannada, with non-compliance resulting in license cancellation.
The policy underscores Karnataka’s commitment to preserving its linguistic identity.
Tamil Nadu’s Push
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also urged businesses to prioritize Tamil on shop name boards. Speaking at a traders’ welfare meeting, Stalin emphasised that no one should walk through Tamil Nadu and say they couldn’t see Tamil on signboards. His government has been actively promoting Tamil in public and commercial spaces.
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