Kannada learning centres to be opened in Dharwad for officers of PSUs, govt. depts.
Addressing presspersons in Dharwad on Wednesday, KDA chairman Purushottam Bilimale said that as officials are posted from other States to Karnataka, communicating in Kannada is difficult for them and it is often leading to conflicts with the local people because of their inability to communicate in the local language.
'In order to resolve these conflicts, the KDA has come up with the idea of Kannada learning centres and it has already set up around 20 such centres in Bengaluru. We plan to establish over five such centres in Dharwad district. These centres will offer crash course of 36 hours during which simple communication in Kannada will be taught,' he said.
Licence renewal
Expressing satisfaction over 75% implementation of the rule to have Kannada name boards in the district, Mr. Bilimale, however, said that in Hubballi, a commercial centre, the percentage is comparatively less.
'During discussion, a suggestion was made regarding renewing trade licence only after licence holders provided proof of having over 60% Kannada in name boards and other display material. We are positive that the Hubballi Municipal Commissioner will implement it,' he said.
Naming after scholars
Mr. Bilimale said that the KDA has proposed to name various roads on the vast campus of Karnatak University after scholars and activists who have contributed towards the progress of the university. The issue was discussed with the new vice-chancellor of the university and he has promised to implement it, he said.
On the issue of withdrawal of cases against Kananda activists, he said that the KDA has asked the Deputy Commissioners of various districts to provide the list of such activists against whom cases have been booked for taking part in agitations for the cause of Kannada.
'After getting the list, we will take up the matter with the government to get the cases withdrawn,' he said.
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