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Won't give up Hindi in Namma Metro: BMRCL MD Kharola

  • Kharola says it is inevitable to use Hindi in Metro, will not give up Hindi.
  • Kannada Development Authority accuses BMRCL of being unnecessarily defensive.
  • KDA has asked for a follow up report within 15 days from BMRCL.
  • Karnataka Rakshana Vedike also proves that Kharola is a puppet in the hands of Central Government.
  • Hindi was imposed following pressure from Venkaiah Naidu, Vedike alleges.
Will not give up Hindi Kharola stands firm

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) MD Pradeep Singh Kharola has finally replied to Kannada Development Authority's letter asking to remove Hindi in Namma Metro sign boards, stating that it is inevitable to use Hindi in Metro boards, following the three-language formula, reports Kannada Prabha. Reacting to the reply, Karnataka Development Authority (KDA) chairman SG Siddaramaiah has said that BMRCL is unnecessarily being defensive of the work already carried out and it should change its attitude.

With Kharola taking a firm stand, both BMRCL and KDA have now locked horns. Kharola in his delayed reply to the KDA notice (almost 20 days) has defended on following the three-language formula. Immediately replying to this, KDA chairman SG Siddaramaiah has stated that BMRCL’s stand is only defending its execution of work, which he terms as unnecessary. The Namma Metro being a State government undertaking, cannot impose Hindi. It should immediately remove Hindi from all its services and adopt two-language formula. As per the provisions of the Indian Constitution, all institutions must uphold the significance of the respective states and such a responsibility lies with BMRCL also.  Hence BMRCL must stop using Hindi and send a follow-up report within next 15 days, wrote KDA chairman.

Here's the translation of the complete text of KDA chairman Siddaramaiah’s letter to BMRCL: Dear Mr Kharola, the reasons you have given for usage of Hindi in Namma Metro seems like an unnecessary defence of execution of your work. Your notice is drawn towards the documents submitted by you and the existing regulations of Central government as given below.

"In a letter written by you on June 21, 2016 to the State government, detailing the purpose of Namma Metro, you have clearly mentioned that, as the project was being implemented in the State, with substantial financial assistance from the Central Government, there is no mention of any obligation regarding language issue in the tri-party MOU ie the Centre, State and BMRCL. This also clarifies that your organisation is also a State government Corporation. The State government has implemented an order, as far back as 1963, that the State follows two-language policy compulsorily in all its institutions. Hence, being a State government undertaking, you have to follow the two-language policy compulsorily.

"The State government has already brought to your notice that the 1976 language policy of the Central government does not apply to your corporation. In this context, the order issued by the Central Urban Development Department should become null and void," wrote Siddaramaiah, Chairman KDA.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike State President TA Narayana Gowda has written to the Chief Secretary, urging for action against BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola, alleging he is a puppet in the hands of Central government and is adamant to impose Hindi in Namma Metro.

Releasing a copy of the letter to the press on Thursday, Narayana Gowda alleged that Kharola is anti-Kannada and in support of his allegations issued copies of certain documents. Kharola had very specifically written to the Chief Secretary in 2016 that Hindi cannot be implemented in Namma Metro. However, in 2017, he changed his stand buckling under the pressure brought by Venkaiah Naidu. But Kharola has again written to the Chief Secretary in 2017 stating Hindi can be used in Metro. Besides, he has imposed Hindi following the directions of Venkaiah Naidu, which undoubtedly proves that he is a puppet in the hands of Central government. Hence, action should be taken with regard to this, Gowda said.

 

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