Siliguri mandates Bengali on all signboards and hoardings

Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) has introduced a new rule that requires the Bengali language to be used on all signboards and hoardings in Siliguri. Officials say this move aims to promote and preserve the linguistic heritage of Bengal. Non-compliance with the new rule may lead to legal and administrative consequences. The notice from SMC states that all businesses, including shops, malls, restaurants, hospitals, and offices, must display signboards in Bengali alongside any other languages. Businesses are expected to follow this directive by April 14. Mayor Gautam Deb mentioned that this decision was made during a meeting on February 21 and was approved in a council meeting on March 5. He emphasized that the main goal is to highlight the importance of the Bengali language, with enforcement of penalties for non-compliance to come later. Local resident Pradipto Das noted that this directive seeks to strengthen cultural ties and encourage the use of Bengali in everyday life. He believes it reflects a broader effort to affirm regional identity in the face of current political and cultural changes. Bengali has been recognized as an official language in India since 1950.