Odia Literature, Language and Culture Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi on Wednesday informed the State Assembly that the Union Government has not made any allocation for promotion of Odia language after it got classical status on March 11, 2014.
The Minister stated this in response to a related issue raised by Tara Prasad Bahinipati on Tuesday. Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro had directed the minister to give a statement.
The Minister further informed that the State Government has taken various steps for promotion of the language.
“A different Government department named Odia Language, Literature and Culture, introduction of Administrative Odia Dictionary, establishment of Odia Chairs in JNU and Banaras Hindu University and establishment of Odia University are some of the initiatives taken by the Government,” claimed Minister.
However, Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra expressed unhappiness saying that the Minister didn’t reply what Bahinipati had asked to know.
“Bahinitpati had wanted to know whether the State Government had written to the Centre for support for promotion of Odia language and, in case of yes, whether the Centre responded or not. But the Minister didn’t reply to this,” said Mishra.
However, Speaker said any discussion on the Minister’s reply is not allowed as rules of the House.