CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Tamil Nadu government has suspended two Highways Department officials after a newly installed signboard carrying place names in Tamil, English and Hindi appeared along State Highway 93 in Thoothukudi district. The Hindi lettering was subsequently removed.
The signboard was installed on the Sathankulam–Nazareth stretch of the Alwarthirunagari–Valliyoor State Highway. Videos and images of the board circulated on social media, prompting criticism over the inclusion of Hindi in a state that follows a two-language policy.
According to the Tamil Nadu government, the inclusion of Hindi on the State Highways Department signboard was contrary to the state’s two-language policy. The department has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officials responsible and warned that strict action would be taken against officials who violate the policy.
The two suspended officials were identified as an Assistant Divisional Engineer and an Assistant Engineer associated with the project. A senior highways official said the officials had failed to inform higher authorities about the inclusion of Hindi on the signboard.
The incident triggered a political response in Tamil Nadu. DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticised the use of Hindi on the signboard and reiterated his party’s support for the state’s two-language policy. His remarks represent the DMK’s political position on the issue.
The episode comes amid an ongoing debate in Tamil Nadu over the use of Hindi in public signage and the state’s language policy. The government has now removed the Hindi lettering from the disputed signboard and ordered action against the officials concerned.
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