The Bhasa Surakshya Sammilani on Friday submitted a memorandum to Governor Dr SC Jamir urging him to direct the State Government for constitution of an Odia language Commission and framing of penal provisions for proper use of Odia as official language in all Government and private sectors at the earliest.
“Although the Odisha Official language Act 1954, which was lying in cold storage, came into force eight months back after mass mobilisation and display of public spirit by the Bhasa Surakhya Sammillanni and with an ordinance approved by you, it is surprising that Odia is yet to be used in the day-to-day administration, courts of law and the fields of trade and commerce. English is still being used in traditional way,” read the memorandum.
Stating that Andhra Pradesh and other States are using their respective mother-tongues as official language in all purposes and sectors, the Sammilani appraised the Governor that all those States have formed Official language Commissions to monitor implementation of their respective language Acts. The National Commission is operating for use of Hindi as the Rastra Bhasa.
“Therefore, the Sammilani urge you to direct the Odisha Government to establish an Official language Commission on a priority basis to monitor the implementation of the Act and Rules. The commission may be empowered as a quasi-judicial authority to suggest the Govt for necessary amendments more particularly of regarding punishment provision for violation of the Act and Rules,” urged the memorandum signed by Sammilani president Baishnab Parida and many others.
It may be noted that the Bhasa Surakshya Sammilani comprising members from all political parties, intellectuals, social workers, writers and mediapersons has been spearheading the movement for use of Odia as official language for long.