The State Assembly on Thursday passed two Bills, the University of Odia language and literature Bill, 2017 and the Odisha Service of Engineers (Validation of Appointment) Amendment Bill, 2017 following a discussion.
While the University of Odia language and literature Bill provides for establishment of an Odia language University for research, development and promotion of Odia language, the second Bill validated 799 Assistant Engineers (Civil), 55 Assistant Engineers (Mechanical) and 25 Assistant Engineers (Electrical).
Earlier, the Opposition had suggested sending the University of language and literature Bill to the Selection Committee for a detailed discussion before passing.
“I don’t oppose the Bill. But the Bill should be passed after a broad discussion as it pertains to Odia language. Hence, it should be sent to the Select Committee,” leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said while pointing out some words and numbers written in English in Odia version of the Bill.
He too alleged that the Government is passing the Bill for political gains without having any vision. His party colleagues like Naba Kishore Das and Dr Prafulla Majhi said the Bill would create resentment among regions.
BJP Member Pradeep Kumar Purohit alleged that the Bill is meant to protect CM Naveen Patnaik as he doesn’t know Odia. However, ruling party members like Pravat Biswal and Bed Prakash Agrawal supported the Bill.