All offices & state-run institutions to display signboards in

The Odisha government has issued a direction to all offices and state-run institutions to display signboards in Odia language prominently apart from other languages, within a fortnight, officials said today.

The direction was issued at a high level meeting chaired by Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan here yesterday. Balakrishnan asked the General Administration and Public Grievance Department to issue suitable instructions to all government departments and agencies accordingly, they said.

Balakrishnan also directed the Labour & ESI department to ensure enforcement of display of the signboards prominently in Odia in all the shops and commercial establishments.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development was also asked to launch a special drive for display of boards in Odia in all ULBs, said officials.

The meeting also decided to launch an online portal to receive complaints from the general public about non-display of such signboards in Odia language.

During the meeting, the officials appreciated the efforts made by some shops and establishments in changing their signboards to Odia.