Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 28:

As part of efforts to promote Punjabi, the official language of Punjab, the Punjab government has issued directives mandating that the names of all government, semi-government offices, departments, institutions, organizations, educational institutions, boards, corporations, public and private organizations, shops, and commercial establishments—including those registered under the Societies Act and the Factories Act—be written in Punjabi (Gurmukhi script) at the top of their respective nameplates, road signs, milestone markers, and signboards.

District Language Officer Dr. Darshan Kaur stated that, as per the Punjab government’s guidelines, all boards must have Punjabi (Gurmukhi script) written at the top. If any other language is used, it must be written below Punjabi. These directives also apply to semi-government and non-government institutions, private shops, and commercial establishments, which have been instructed to ensure their signboards are in Punjabi.

According to Rule 23 of the Punjab Labour Department’s notification dated March 24, 2023, the names of all institutions must be displayed in Punjabi (Gurmukhi script). If additional languages are used, they must appear after Punjabi. The Punjabi language must be given prominence, ensuring its visibility is greater than that of other languages (if any).

Failure to comply with these orders will result in penalties as per the provisions of the Act.

Dr. Darshan Kaur has made a strong appeal to the residents and shopkeepers of the district to fulfill their moral responsibility toward their mother tongue, Punjabi. She urged them to ensure that all institutions, organizations, and shops in cities, towns, and villages display nameboards in Punjabi. Special attention should be given to correct Punjabi word usage while preparing signboards.

For any guidance or assistance in this regard, individuals may contact the Office of the District Language Officer, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), at any time.