From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Oct 30: In a new initiative, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has agreed to include learning Karnataka’s official language of Kannada as part of its regular training programme for its staff with effect from Rajyothsava Day on November 1.
Giving more importance to the State’s official language and its culture in the airport and its premises will be part of BIAL policies, Kannada Development Authority Chairman Mukhyamantri Chandru said on the eve of Rajyothsava Day in Bangalore.
BIAL management has agreed to implement 11 suggestions given by KDA for increasing usage of Kannada language and culture at and on the airport premises, the BJP leader said.
He said BIAL management has positively responded to most of the demands on implementation of Kannada in the day-to-day administration of the airport.
It has also decided to impart Kannada language classes to its staff as part of regular training with the support of KDA from November 1.
Classes would be held once in a week, Chandru said, adding: KDA would support BIAL to start Kannada learning classes for both staff as well as their children.
“Classes will be made part of regular training through Human Resources Development programme,” he said quoting a letter written by BIAL to the State Government on October 20.
“We are planning to start Kannada classes in November,” the letter said, adding that “BIAL is working with KDA for implementing “learn a Kannada word a day” concept in passenger terminal and administrative building.
BIAL has also promised to display all the directional sign boards, terminal signs in Kannada inside and on the airport premises in Kannada in 2 to 3 months.
It has already started making flight announcements in three languages, including the State’s official language, Chandru said.
Most of the outlets have already been displaying signboards in Kannada prominently and Kannada newspapers were being made available at the terminal, he said.
''The greeting staff, taxi parking and other customer interface staff have been welcoming customers saying “Namaskara” with folded hands,” the letter said.
On information on parking tickets to be changed to Kannada, BIAL authorities said it would take at least six months to print the tickets in Kannada as bulk of the tickets were being imported from Europe.
“The translation of tickets in Kannada is provided by KDA experts,” BIAL said in its letter.