Chennai News: Amid a fresh controversy over the use of the Tamil language, the Chennai Corporation has introduced a new rule mandating Tamil name boards for all shops. Under this regulation, businesses failing to comply risk losing their trade licenses.
To enforce this, the Corporation is set to launch a campaign targeting shops that do not display name boards in Tamil. This move aligns with the state government’s broader effort to strengthen existing regulations on Tamil signage. A meeting of senior state officials is scheduled this week to discuss the implementation of these statutory provisions.
A meeting by senior officials of the State government will be held this week to implement the existing statutory provisions relating to Tamil language in name boards of shops and establishments.
Under the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules 2023, the Chennai Corporation is empowered to revoke or suspend trade licences for non-compliance. According to a Hindu report, Each year, approximately 70,000 shops in the city obtain trade licences from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
According to the report, the Chennai Corporation grants trade licenses to shops across all 15 zones only after traders commit to displaying name boards prominently in Tamil. While English and a third language are allowed, they must be in smaller font sizes, following the prescribed 5:3:2 ratio. The GCC is expected to check if the condition of the trade licence related to Tamil name boards has been contravened.
How The Procedure Will Be
Initially, the civic body will issue a written notice to the trade licensee, outlining the grounds for action. The shops will be asked to respond within seven days explaining why the licence should not be revoked or suspended. After reviewing the trader’s reply and providing an opportunity for a hearing, the civic body may proceed with either revocation or suspension of the license.
Will You Be Able To Reinstate License
It is reported that a suspended license may be reinstated once only after the necessary directives have been fully complied with. The state government is also gearing up to encourage the use of Tamil for naming residential apartments and commercial complexes. Highlighting name boards in cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, and Madurai, the government has already directed urban local bodies to take initiatives to promote Tamil signage.
In Chennai, Corporation councilors have been vocal about the need for Tamil name boards. Ward 35 Councilor S. Jeevan pointed out that many shops in the Central Business District still do not have name boards in Tamil, stressing the need for stricter enforcement.
