SAD seeks primacy of Punjabi language on NH signboards

The SAD has urged Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari to ensure the primacy of Punjabi language on signboards on national highways in the state, saying the people of Punjab were "hurt" by the "current treatment".
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote to Gadkari, saying it was unfortunate that Punjabi was not given primacy on signboards on national highways in the state.
"I request you to give requisite directions to correct this anomaly immediately," Badal wrote to Gadkari.
He said the "current treatment" meted out to Punjabi on signboards "had not only hurt the sentiments of the people" but was also "causing inconvenience".

"Punjabis will be more comfortable with signages in Punjabi on all signboards as they constitute a majority of commuters on state roads," the former chief minister said.
Stating that due respect be accorded to Punjabi, Badal said: "We are not against any language but feel the sentiments of Punjabis should also be accorded due respect".

He said that all signboards on national highways should have signs in Punjabi, Hindi and English in descending order.
The Akali Dal leader pointed out that the Punjab Official Language Act, 1963, stipulates that Punjabi should be written on top on all official signboards.
He said all signboards of the National Highway Authority should be in consonance with the Act.

Sukhbir Badal expressed confidence that the Union surface transport ministry would look into the issue.