MNCs will need to display Kannadiga staff numbers: Karnataka minister Shivaraj Tangadagi

Branches of popular coffee shops in Bengaluru such as Starbucks and Third Wave Coffee were vandalised by the pro-Kannada activists in December 2023 (representational picture)

Karnataka Kannada & Culture Minister told the Legislative Council on February 20 that multinational companies (MNCs) operating in the state will be required to display the number of Kannadigas they employ on notice boards at their premises.

Speaking during a discussion on the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, which mandates having 60 percent of signage in Kannada, Tangadagi said that the government is making all efforts to promote the Kannada language across all sectors.

"We will make MNCs display the number of Kannadigas they employ on their notice boards. This will ensure that MNCs in the state employ an adequate number of Kannadigas," he said.

Speaking to reporters, he said that failure to comply with language requirements will result in the cancellation of licenses.

Tangadagi said he has formed a committee led by himself, comprising secretaries of various departments, to provide their suggestions on framing the rules.

“We will frame rules to ensure that industries display information on the number of Kannadigas they have employed. We have secretaries from various departments who have already given their suggestions. We will discuss and formulate the rules for industries and multinational companies,” he said.

He also said efforts to ensure judgments are delivered in Kannada and to encourage advocates to use Kannada.

Also Read: Vandalism over English name boards in Bengaluru raises concern

Tangadagi added that the government's 'Kannada Kavalu' mobile app is being launched, through which citizens can raise complaints against individuals or organisations working against the interests of Kannada.

He assured the government would consider withdrawing cases filed against pro-Kannada workers who were involved in vandalism and also tore down signboards in English on shops and commercial establishments.