Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday issued a stern warning to business owners and shopkeepers across the state, urging them to prominently display Odia on their signboards or face legal consequences.
The directive came as part of a special awareness campaign launched by the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance (LESI) Department to enforce compliance with the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, which mandates the use of Odia on all commercial signboards.
As part of the ongoing observance of ‘Odia Pakhya’ (Odia Fortnight) from April 1 (Utkal Dibasa) to April 14 (Odia New Year), rallies and awareness drives were held in various districts to encourage the use of the mother tongue in public and commercial spaces.
In Bhubaneswar, Labour, Employees’ State Insurance, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia flagged off an awareness rally and appealed to business establishments to ensure clear and correct usage of Odia on their signage.
“The mother tongue is the soul of a state’s identity and its future,” said the Minister. “Our government is committed to strengthening the Odia language, and initiatives like Odia Pakhya are part of this larger effort.”
An official release reiterated the legal mandate and warned of punitive action against those who fail to comply. “Legal proceedings will be initiated, and fines imposed on violators. Those who haven’t yet displayed Odia on their signboards must act promptly and ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The Minister also called upon all citizens to actively contribute to preserving and enriching the Odia language and cultural heritage.
