Bhubaneswar: As many as 319 shops and commercial establishments in Odisha have been penalised for failing to display signboards in Odia language, which is mandatory under the rules.
This information was shared by Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia while answering a question in the state Assembly on Tuesday.
As per official data, authorities issued 2,594 show-cause notices to shop owners and commercial establishments between 2023 and 2025 for not complying with the Odia nameplate requirement.
The initiative aims to promote the use of the Odia language in public spaces and ensure visibility of the local script in marketplaces and business hubs.
Of the notices served, 319 shop owners were fined as it was found that they clearly violated the rules, he said.
The enforcement drive, carried out by labour officials across districts, continues to monitor adherence to the rule. The process ensures that businesses respect linguistic norms and contribute to the preservation of Odisha’s cultural identity.
The government’s action reflects a renewed push to promote Odia language usage in commercial spaces. With enforcement continuing, authorities hope that more establishments will voluntarily comply and help strengthen the presence of Odia signage across Odisha.
Officials said the Odisha Shops and Trade Establishments Act, 1956, mandates the use of Odia language on nameplates, with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for non-compliance. The government has been inspecting establishments to ensure compliance with a directive issued on February 1, 2018.
