BMC enforces Marathi signboards | Fusion - WeRIndia

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced stringent measures to ensure the prominence of the Marathi language. This significant move reshapes the visual identity of Mumbai’s commercial spaces.

Starting May 1, shops and establishments without signboards in Marathi or the Devanagari script will face a hefty penalty, including a potential doubling of their property tax.

This decision, grounded in the Supreme Court’s directives, emphasizes the cultural preservation within the bustling economic life of the city.

The BMC’s latest action targets not just the financial compliance of shop owners but also seeks to align with the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Rules, 2018, and its 2022 Amendment.

A widespread compliance drive initiated post-November 28, 2023, revealed that most shops had adhered to this mandate by displaying Marathi signboards.

This level of compliance underscores the business community’s acknowledgement of Mumbai’s linguistic heritage and regulatory landscape.

However, the BMC’s stance is not without its punitive aspects. Establishments failing to follow this mandate face not just increased property tax but also the cancellation of their operating licenses.

The cost for license renewal, in cases of non-compliance, ranges between ₹25,000 to ₹1.5 lakh—an amount significant enough to encourage adherence. Moreover, the civic body has actively pursued legal action against defaulters.

With legal notices sent to 3,040 establishments and numerous cases in court or awaiting administrative hearings, the BMC’s commitment to enforcing this policy is clear.

The imposition of fines, which amounted to ₹32 lakh in administrative hearings and ₹13.94 lakh in court cases, further illustrates the financial implications for businesses that choose to overlook this regulation.

The BMC’s policy not only reiterates the importance of Marathi in Mumbai’s commercial sectors but also serves as a reminder of the evolving regulatory environment businesses operate within.

As Mumbai continues to grow, such measures ensure that cultural preservation and regulatory compliance walk hand in hand, shaping a city that respects its heritage while embracing modernity.

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