Bengali must on signboards in Kolkata by Sept 30

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has made it mandatory for all commercial establishments in the city to display signboards in Bengali. In a move aimed at promoting linguistic and cultural identity, the civic body has set September 30 as the deadline for compliance.

A notification issued by the KMC on Saturday clearly states that all shops, offices, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and diagnostic centres must install signboards in Bengali that are clearly visible from a distance. Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will invite legal action, and the municipality reserves the right to remove non-compliant signboards.

The decision comes amid long-standing concerns that many commercial establishments in the city have neglected the use of Bengali on their nameplates, despite repeated appeals by the municipal authorities. The new directive seeks to rectify this and uphold the cultural and linguistic heritage of the region.

"Business in Kolkata cannot be imagined without Bengali," said Mayor Firhad Hakim, reaffirming that while signboards in other languages may still be used, Bengali is now mandatory. The mayor has reportedly raised the issue on multiple occasions over the past few months, stressing the need for urgent action.

According to KMC sources, approximately 45,000 commercial establishments currently operate under valid trade licenses in Kolkata. All of them have been served official notices regarding the new rule.

The civic body’s statement, signed by the Municipal Secretary and published on its website, notes that the majority of Kolkata’s population communicates in Bengali, justifying the move as being in the public interest.

A senior KMC official confirmed that the directive was unanimously approved during a recent municipal session, removing any legislative obstacles to enforcement. "We want the city to reflect its linguistic roots, especially ahead of Durga Puja, when footfall increases dramatically," the official added.

The announcement has triggered widespread discussion across the city. While many view it as a positive step toward preserving Bengal’s cultural identity, some business owners have expressed concern over the short deadline and potential costs associated with replacing existing signboards.

Nevertheless, the KMC remains firm in its decision. Going forward, no commercial establishment in Kolkata will be permitted to operate without a Bengali signboard, officials have confirmed.