Karnataka cabinet approves 60% Kannada language rule on sign boards

Days after the raging language row in Karnataka, the cabinet on Friday okayed an ordinance that enforces 60 per cent Kannada language on sign boards of shops, enterprises, institutions and other places.
The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) ordinance ensures that all sign boards and nameplates of commercial establishments, industries, hospitals and organisations will have to have 60 per cent Kannada language.
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The language row took shape recently in Bengaluru and some other places across the state, wherein pro-Kannada group, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), held violent protests and vandalised properties in markets and business areas, especially attacking and damaging sign boards with majority writing in languages other than Kannada.
Visuals of the group members blackening name plates and running riot in the city went viral. They specifically also targeted the newly opened Phoenix Mall of Asia, which has been directed to be shut down till January 15, for traffic-related reasons.
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Karnataka Rakshana Vedika president TN Narayan Gowda said the group’s intention was to hold an “awareness rally” about the 60% Kannada rule.
Here are some other decisions hat the cabinet has taken in its most recent meeting:
(With PTI inputs)