Odisha to implement Odia in official transaction: Patnaik

Claiming to have effectively addressed some of the key promises made to the people, Odisha government today said it will implement Odia language in transaction of official business for which rules are in advanced stage of formulation.
"My government is committed to promote Odia language and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in his address to the Council of Ministers on completion of two years of his government in 4th term.
Stating that Odisha Official Languages Rules are in advanced stage of formulation for better implementation of Odia in transaction of official business, Patnaik said Odisha Official Languages Act, 1954, is being suitably amended for the purpose.

"I am hopeful that by August 15 this shall be implemented," Patnaik said.
The chief minister also announced that "University of Odia Language and Literature" would be established with an aim of teaching and research in Odia language and literature at post graduate, doctoral and post doctoral levels.
"Odia Virtual Academy" which has been announced in this year's budget will soon be a reality, he said, adding as a first step, a five-member advisory committee has been formed. Through this academy rich literary corpus of Odia language would be digitised and made available through web portal.

While faculty position in Odia in universities and colleges would be filled up on priority, the government has instituted "Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati Scholarship for Odia Language" with a cash award of Rs 20,000 fo students securing more than 90 per cent in +2 and +3 level, he said.

Creation of Odia Chair in reputed universities outside Odisha like Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras Hindu University is beign pursued, Patnaik said.
He added that for Odia Chair in JNU, budgetary provision has already been made.
On the achievements of his government in last two
years, the chief minister said "I am happy to share that during the last two years we have been able to effectively address some of the key assurances made to our people."
Maintaining that the government's approach has always been inclusive covering all sections of society, Patnaik said focus is to address the basic needs of farmers, women, youth and the disadvantaged and marginalised sections.

Referring to major achievements, he said Lord Jagannath's Nabakalebar festival was successfully organised, while 10 lakh kutcha houses were converted into pucca houses, creating a benchmark at the national level.
A record 120 lakh tonnes foodgrain production was achieved leading to the Krishi Karman Award for fourth time, he said, adding 100 Odisha Ararsha Vidyalayas were established on the pattern of central schools.
The state government ensured implementation of National Food Security Act to provide food security to 79.59 lakh families, while Rs 5 a meal Aahar scheme was introduced in 100 more locations for the needy people, Patnaik said.

He said holistic health care coverage was ensured with the provision of free medicines under the Niramaya Scheme and establishment of six new government medical colleges in the state, while ANWESHA was launched to provide quality education to SC/ST students as a landmark initiative.
The government started construction of Rs 3,600 crore Biju Expressway involving 650 kms to provide state-of-the-art connectivity in western Odisha, Patnaik said.
Stating that the focus is on value addition, skill
development and job creation leading to growth with equity, the chief minister said Odisha Skill Development Authority has been set up to provide global standards in skill development and job creation.

Claiming that Odisha leads the country in settlement of land under Forest Rights Act, he said almost 20 lakh women have benefitted under "Mamata" scheme. "All these have been achieved in spite of repeated natural calamities and drop in central funds."
Stating that there is still scope for improvement in surprise visits and taking prompt action, the chief minister said technology has not been leveraged enough to redress people's grievances and social media awareness and usage must improve in every sphere of governance.