Archive · 13 Sep 2025
Kolkata Mayor: Bengali Signage Mandate for Shops, Businesses
The city of Kolkata is making a rule that all shops and businesses must display their names in the Bengali language.
This means the Bengali name should be visible, at the top.
Even if they use other languages too.
The local government says that if businesses don't follow this, they could lose their licenses.
The rule was announced in August and enforcement will begin after the Durga Puja festival.
The mayor said it is not meant to be disrespectful to other languages.
Some people support this, saying it is like other Indian states that require local languages on signs.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) issued a directive mandating Bengali signage.
All establishments must display names in Bengali, prominently and at the top.
The deadline was initially September 30 but enforcement begins post-Durga Puja.
Non-compliance may result in trade license revocation.
The move comes amid protests against attacks on Bengali speakers in other states.
- Who
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
- What
- Mandating Bengali signage for all establishments.
- When
- Directive issued August 30, enforcement post-Durga Puja.
- Where
- Kolkata
- Why
- To promote the use of the Bengali language.
- Main Action
- Mandate Bengali signage
- Issuing Body
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
- Enforcement Start Date
- Post-Durga Puja
- Consequence of Non-Compliance
- Potential trade license revocation
- Mayor's Stance
- Not about disrespecting other languages