CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has criticised the use of Hindi on signboards installed along a State Highway in Thoothukudi district, reiterating the state government’s position on its two-language policy. Two Highways Department officials responsible for the signage have been suspended, according to the Tamil Nadu government.
The controversy arose after a signboard carrying place names in Tamil, English and Hindi was installed on the Sathankulam–Nazareth stretch of State Highway 93. The Hindi portion of the signage was subsequently removed.
Stalin questioned the inclusion of Hindi on a State Highways Department signboard and said Tamil Nadu would continue to follow its established two-language policy. His remarks reflect the DMK government’s position on the language issue. Tamil Nadu has historically opposed the imposition of Hindi and has maintained Tamil and English as the languages used under its state policy. The Hindu’s background coverage notes the long-running political debate over Hindi use in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Highways Minister E.V. Velu said action had been taken against the officials responsible for the signboard. The government has maintained that the use of Hindi on the state highway signage was not authorised under the state’s policy.
The development comes amid a wider debate in Tamil Nadu over language policy, public signage and the use of Hindi in government institutions and infrastructure. The issue has repeatedly generated political responses from parties supporting different approaches to language policy.
The suspended officials will face departmental proceedings, while the government has indicated that similar violations of the state’s signage and language policy will not be permitted.
Hashtags: #TamilNaduState #Bhopal #Desksource #Stalin #Slams #Hindi #DeskSource #Signboards #Thoothukudi #Tamil
