Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Announces Slew Of Measures For Promotion Of ‘Odia Asmita’

Bhubaneswar: After officially assuming charge at Loka Seva Bhawan, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Thursday directed for use of Odia language in all official work of the government.

“Apart from material development, emphasis will be on cultural development. Importance will also be given to promotion and preservation of Odia ‘Asmita’,” he told reporters.

Majhi said that the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi would be reconstituted and steps would be taken to augment their capacities. “Working of Odissi Gabesana Kendra would be streamlined to improve its efficiency. Quality research on Odia ‘Asmita’ will be encouraged. Efforts will be made to cultivate reading habits among the people by expanding the library movement,” he said.

He further stated that a Translation Academy will be set up for promotion of Odia language and literature. “Efforts will be made for modern and simple use of technology in the field of language. Odia Asmita Bhawan will also be set up. Language Commission will be set up and the government work will be executed in Odia language. If needed, the Odisha Official Language Act will be amended to ensure extensive use of Odia in offices,” he said.

Majhi said that Odia Bhasha Pratisthan will also be reconstituted. “Samanwita Sanskruti Bhawan will be set up in all districts. Art and culture of the districts will be encouraged. Special consideration will be made to appoint Odia teachers in high schools across the State. Paika Academy and Memorial work in Barunei will be accelerated. Our government is committed to giving emphasis to various heritage sites in our state,” he said.

The CM added that feedback would be sought from people on steps to be taken for promotion and preservation of Odia Asmita.

Notably, the BJP’s victory was fuelled by an aggressive campaign centered around Odia Asmita (pride), which accumulated public anger and stoked the anti-incumbency sentiments across Odisha. This significant shift ended BJD’s reign since 2000 and set the stage for the BJP to lead Odisha for the first time.