Even though two years have passed since Odia language was given the classical language status, it is yet to be recognised as the State’s official language and used as a medium in employment.
Besides, the State Government has failed to open an Odia University and a Bhasa Sahitya Kendra Pratisthan and avail Rs 100 crore of Central fund, lamented speakers at the observance of the Odia Bhasa Sastriya Manyata Divas at the INTUC State office here on Friday. They warned of a State-wide stir if the demands are not met.
At the meeting, chaired by Odisha Pradesh Sashtriya Odia Manyata Kriyanusthan Committee president Dr Rama Chandra Khuntia, it was also demanded that a special Odia language department be formed for promotion and propagation of the language.
Inaugurating the programme, linguist Prof Debi Prasanna Pattanaik said the process for making Odia as the official language is being delayed as the State Government is not taking necessary steps in this regard. He also emphasised on the need for cooperation from Government functionaries, non-Government bodies, linguists, litterateurs and the general public for protection and promotion of their mother tongue.
Among others, committee secretary Dr Subrat Prusty, convenor Sheikh Matlub Ali and INTUC State general secretary Kishore Jena were present.