KMC mandates Kolkata shops and eateries to display Bengali signboards by 2025 deadline

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued a directive requiring all commercial establishments in the city to include Bengali on their signboards alongside other languages. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote the language's visibility and cultural heritage. A tentative deadline of February 21, 2025, has been set to initiate compliance, coinciding with International Mother Language Day.

Municipal Secretary Swapan Kundu announced that the KMC is engaging with shop, restaurant, and business owners to implement this directive. He emphasized that while other languages like Hindi and English can be retained, Bengali must be included prominently.

This move follows a proposal by TMC Councillor Biswarup Dey during an October KMC session, where he advocated for mandatory Bengali text on signboards in both public and private establishments. Dey’s proposal came after Bengali was officially recognized as a classical language by the Central Government on October 3, joining the ranks of Assamese, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit.

KMC Mayor Firhad Hakim also voiced his support, stating, “I am not against the use of other languages, but Bengali must be part of banners, signboards, and advertisements." He encouraged private advertising agencies to adopt the change voluntarily, underscoring the importance of celebrating the city's linguistic heritage.

This is not the first time such an initiative has been attempted. In 2007, under then-Mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, a similar directive was issued but failed to gain traction. KMC officials are optimistic that this time, with greater public awareness and civic cooperation, the measure will be successfully implemented.

The push for Bengali signboards reflects a broader cultural sentiment aimed at preserving and promoting the language in a rapidly globalizing environment. With the deadline approaching, KMC aims to ensure compliance while fostering pride in the city's rich linguistic identity.