The decision of making Odia language as official language in Odisha is a welcoming step, said the Bhasa Suraksha Sammilani, but it on Sunday demanded a language commission to implement it properly
Sammilani president and MP Baishnab Parida said that in view of black flag protest and movements by Odia lovers, the Chief Minister was forced to implement the Orissa Official language Act 1954.
“We had been protesting to put pressure on the State Government to implement the Orissa Official language Act 1954 from last four years. We organised 236 meetings and sent one lakh postcards to the CM,” said Parida at a State-level convention held here.
He also said, “The State Government should inform us before bringing any changes in the Act.”
The Sammilani urged the Government to form a commission comprising experienced bureaucrats, educationists, linguists, judges and computer experts to suggest the Government or its Ministerial committee as to how to implement the Act.
Former Chief Secretary Sahadev Sahoo, journalist Barendra Krushna Dhal, former Judge Hrudaya Ballav Das, Dr Bijayanand Singh and Santosh Das of CPI(M) also spoke, among others.
language is a major part in someone’s identity, especially the cultural identity, said Santosh Das. Welcoming the Ordinance on Official use of Odia, Das said the Government should take steps for development of the language. He also demanded immediate filling up of vacant Odia teacher posts in education institutions.
Hrudaya Ballav Das proposed a high-power commission on the Odia language. He also said laws should be simplified so that a common man can understand it.
The speakers also demanded quality Odia education in all schools and colleges in the State.