Bhubaneswar: A day after the Odisha government issued a notification warning heavy penalty for not displaying signboards in Odia, the Opposition parties raised question on the government’s sincerity toward promoting the vernacular language.
The main Opposition, BJP, stated that there was nothing new in the notification as it has been issued earlier also. What is lacking is strict enforcement of the law, said state BJP spokesman Dilip Mallick.
“The state government lacks commitment to promote Odia. It is the same notification issued in the past several times. There was no need for fresh notification if the norm was enforced strictly by the administrative officials,” he added.
Congress MLA Suresh Routray said, “The chief minister is boasting about Odisha and Odias. But he himself is unable to speak in Odia even after being elected as CM for several times. The government should direct the officials at ground level to enforce usage of Odia.”
On the other hand, the ruling BJD said the government was serious about use of Odia language in all public places. “As per the notification this time, stern action would be taken against those fail to follow the government direction. We hope this would bring changes at grassroots level” said party MLA Prafulla Samal.
It may be noted that the government, in its notification, has warned shops and business establishments, flouting the mandatory Odia signboard rule, of heavy penalties. While Rs 5,000 will be imposed on the first time violators, the penalty can go up to Rs 25,000 in the event of second offence. There is also provision for cancellation of licenses.
