KMC makes Bengali Mandatory on all signboards by September 2025 – GetBengal story

For a long time, Questions have been raised why Bengali is not more widely used in Kolkata’s offices, shops, advertisements, and high-rises. Questions have been asked again and again, even sparking movements. Kolkata Municipal Commissioner Dhaval Jain has issued a directive that Bengali must be the primary language on every signboard — from shops and offices to commercial buildings and institutions.

According to the directive, this rule must be implemented by 30th September 2025. It specifies that the name of the organisation or establishment must appear at the very top in Bengali. Other languages can be used below or alongside, if necessary, but Bengali must come first.

This is not the first such step. There was a time when the use of Bengali had been made mandatory in government offices, signboards, and notifications. It had also been informally discussed at Kolkata Municipal Corporation sessions. But this time, the administration has issued an official circular. The corporation is also considering increasing the use of Bengali in all documents it publishes. KMC Chairperson Mala Roy has reportedly stressed that all proceedings of the corporation should be conducted in Bengali.

Business owners and institutions have been requested to cooperate so that the rule can be put into effect by the September deadline. Additionally, the notice warns that necessary action will be taken if the directive is not followed within the allotted time.  If implemented quickly, the streets, markets, offices, and shopping complexes of Kolkata will soon see Bengali signboards dominating the cityscape.

Many groups have welcomed this move and believe that it will further strengthen the Bengali language movement.