The Utkal Sammilani has demanded implementation of the Orissa Official language Act-1954, enacted by the then Chief Minister Nabakrushna Choudhury.
At a seminar organised by the body to mark the birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister, Sammilani members opined that the act should be implemented so as to promote and promulgate the mother tongue. They decided to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik soon demanding use of Odia in all Government and administrative works.
Sammilani Bhubaneswar branch head Bibhuti Mishra, Mancheswar Industrial Estate branch head Dillip Dashsharma and State vice-president Ananta Prasad Jena spoke at the seminar, chaired by senior member Dr Gopal Krushna Shrichandan.
Among others, general secretary Adwaita Kumar Patra, treasurer Usharani Mohanty and secretary Akuli Sangram Sethy were present.