Bengaluru: Karnataka has introduced a stringent new regulation requiring all businesses to upload geotagged photographs of their signboards to ensure compliance with Kannada language mandates. Under this groundbreaking 2024 legislation, businesses risk losing their trade licenses if they fail to demonstrate adequate Kannada representation on their storefront signage.
The new rule mandates that all commercial establishments must photograph their signboards with precise location data embedded and submit these images through an official government portal. This technological approach represents the state’s most ambitious effort yet to enforce the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, which requires prominent display of Kannada text on business signboards.
“This geotagged photo requirement ensures transparency and accountability in language compliance,” stated Karnataka Commerce Minister Ramalinga Reddy. “Businesses can no longer claim ignorance or provide misleading documentation about their signboard compliance.”
The scope of the regulation extends to all commercial establishments, including retail stores, restaurants, offices, and service centers across Karnataka’s 31 districts. Business owners must upload clear photographs showing their complete signboard with embedded GPS coordinates proving the image was captured at their registered business location.
Officials emphasize that the Kannada text must be displayed prominently, with font size and visibility equal to or greater than text in other languages. The geotagged photos will undergo automated verification using artificial intelligence systems to detect location authenticity and assess Kannada compliance levels.
“We’re not targeting any particular business community, but ensuring our constitutional mandate to promote Kannada is respected,” explained Additional Secretary of Kannada and Culture Department, Dr. Puneeth Kumar. “The geotagged photo system eliminates any possibility of submitting fake or outdated images.”
Businesses have been given a 90-day window to comply with the new requirements. Non-compliant establishments face graduated penalties, starting with warnings and escalating to trade license suspension for repeat offenders. The state government has established helpdesks in all district headquarters to assist businesses with the digital submission process.
This initiative reflects Karnataka’s broader push to strengthen Kannada’s presence in public spaces while leveraging modern technology for effective governance and cultural preservation.