Penal provision for not displaying Odia language signboards

The Odisha government today decided to make penal provision for those who fail to prominently display Odia language in signboards of their shops and commercial establishments.

A decision in this regard was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The Cabinet approved a proposal for amendment of the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1956 to effect the move.

"A Bill in this regard for amendment of the act will be brought in the Assembly during its budget session," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said.

The objective is to enforce the provision of display of sign board in Odia language prominently for better convenience of the general public, he said.

Padhi said a separate web portal is being created for monitoring display of such signboards in Odia language by the employers of shops and commercial establishments of the state.

The Cabinet also cleared a proposal for insertion of 'Odia Virtual Academy' under the 'State Subject'.

Stating that Odia is one of the finest classical languages of India with its origin dating back to 2,500 years, Padhi said the 'Odia Virtual Academy' will function under the E&IT Department.

The Cabinet approved altogether 17 different proposals, Padhi added.