Mohali: Despite passing of several months since the Bhagwant Mann led AAP government had made it mandatory to use Punjabi lanugage in government and private institutions by February 21, the orders still seems to be implemented.
From vehicles’ registration numbers to various government buildings, banks and even private institutions, shops and road signages continue to give prominence to English even as the state government’s deadline to give priority to the Punjabi language in all public establishments and commercial places ends today on 21st February.
It is pertinent to mention here that last year in November, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while addressing a gathering during a state-level function to mark Punjabi language month, had stated that a mass movement for displaying all signboards on private and public buildings across the state in Punjabi language would be started.
CM had said by February 21, which is observed as International Language Day, the practice of putting signboards in Punjabi would be implemented with full intent by the government.
It is expected that the Languages Department will begin acting as per the Official Languages Act and fine officials, who fail to change display boards of offices in Punjabi from February 21 as per the sources.
The directions have been issued as per the Punjab Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 2021. Initiatives have also been taken to put the directions into practice at all district levels.
Several institutions were today honoured by the team of Punjabi Virsa Sabhyacharak Society who had already complied with the governments instructions and implemented Punjabi language on signboards and appreciated the step taken by them towards promotion of Punjabi language in the state.
Most of the private institute owners and shopkeepers said they took pride in their language Punjabi but it should not be forced. “Why should the government force it? Rather, we should take pride in displaying it by our own choice,” claimed Sarabjit Singh Paras, Beopar Mandal Mohali.
Sarabjit Singh Paras added that it is a good step by the Punjab government as it would help promote the Punjabi culture and added that to promote the Punjabi culture, we must create interest for the mother tongue among the youth. The Punjabi culture should also be promoted in films.