Tamil Nadu government suspends officials over Hindi signboard

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday suspended two Highways Department officials over Hindi on a newly installed signboard on the Sathankulam-Nazareth State Highway (SH-93) in Thoothukudi. The Hindi inscriptions were subsequently removed from the board.

The signboard, installed near the Karumeni river bridge, had the names and directions to places including Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Alwarthirunagari and Tirunelveli in Tamil, Hindi and English. After the inclusion of Hindi triggered criticism and gained attention on social media, the government said the use of Hindi on a State Highways Department signboard was contrary to Tamil Nadu's two-language policy. After the government's intervention, the Hindi lettering was removed immediately.

The assistant divisional engineer and assistant engineer associated with the installation of the signboard were placed under suspension, and departmental action has also been initiated against them. The government warned that stringent action would be taken against officials who act against the State's two-language policy.

The action came amid criticism from opposition parties, including DMK president MK Stalin, who questioned the inclusion of Hindi on a State government signboard.

Meanwhile, Highways minister Aadhav Arjuna said the two-language policy introduced under former Chief Minister Anna remained a permanent policy of the TVK government.

Explaining the government's position, Aadhav said the government had received information about the signboard installed under the Union government's road and infrastructure funding scheme, and the officials who acted against the State’s policies will face action.

"We will defeat the trilingual policy in whatever form it comes. We will uphold the bilingual policy forever," Aadhav said.