The Kannada Development Authority’s inspection of Namma Metro on Tuesday threw up several issues besides the major controversy raging around the use of Hindi in signage.
According to Mukhyamantri Chandru, former chairperson of the KDA, who was present during the inspection, several security guards at Namma Metro stations could not converse in the local language. “You must have told the contractors that only people who can speak Kannada or locals will be hired for these posts,” he said. According to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL), around 17% of its outsourced security staff cannot speak Kannada.
The KDA also directed the BMRCL to set up Kannada units and Kannada sanghas to help employees spread the language and culture among those who come from outside Karnataka. “In addition, you must also take steps to spread the culture of the State among foreigners who use Namma Metro,” said S.G. Siddaramaiah, chairperson of the KDA.
During the inspection, examples of that Right to Information Act requests made in Kannada having been answered in English were also raised. “It is not just about the use of Hindi on boards, you must ensure that Kannada is used across BMRCL,” he said.
In a presentation made to the team, BMRCL managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola said implementing Kannada in departments dealing with foreign companies and in technical departments that have a significant staff from out of State was difficult.
“Since we have financiers from other countries, we have to communicate in English. Even in our technical wing, the supervisory staff is not local but we need their expertise. Our equipment is imported and all training manuals are in English and so we cannot implement Kannada in these sections,” he said.
Mr. Kharola said the use of Kannada was total in departments such as land acquisition and public relations. “We will take all steps to ensure that Kannada spreads in BMRCL. In Phase II, we hope to become self-sufficient in technology and then we can ensure the use of Kannada,” he said.