Kannada number plates

The function of the vehicle registration number plates is far from that of protecting or propagating the local language or culture. The need for their being displayed on the vehicle as per the given standard is paramount, and cannot be compromised upon at any cost, particularly given the increasing instances of hit& run, kidnapping, terrorism, etc. As such, the traffic police acqueiscing in the acts of the Kannada Anusthana Mandali, Kannada Development Authority, etc, reported in your columns recently, is highly objectionable, and perhaps needs to be checked through the dictates of the courts, if required.

Incidentally, it will make an interesting study to find out as to what percentage of our traffic police force can read Kannada numerals.

Further, while the use of the Kannada script (but not on number-plates) could contribute to the propagation of the language and thereby the culture, the numerals do not serve any such purpose. Perhaps it is time the numerals are given a decent burial in a time capsule (say, on the lawns of the Vidhan Soudha), and the state adopted the international numerals, quite like a few others have already done.