Bhubaneswar, July 4 (FN Representative) All official work of the Odisha government will be conducted in the Odia language, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Thursday. Majhi, who started his official work from the third floor of Lok Seva Bhawan, said that if necessary, the Odisha Official Language Act will be amended to ensure all government work is carried out in the Odia language. He mentioned that appropriate technology will be employed to make the Odia language simple, clear, and understandable at both government and private levels. The Chief Minister, who had been functioning from the state guest house since being sworn in on June 12, moved to the CMO at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday, where he received a warm welcome from his cabinet ministers, state Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and other senior officials. Majhi entered his chamber and, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns by priests, occupied the Chief Minister’s chair in the presence of Deputy CM K. V. Singhdeo, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunja Bihari Dhal.
The Chief Minister made several announcements for the promotion and propagation of the Odia language, art, culture, and heritage in the state. Majhi said that the Odia Anubad (Translation) Academy and Odia Asmita (Pride) Bhawan will be established in the state and that a Language Commission will be set up for the preservation and promotion of the Odia language. He stated that the Sahitya Academy, Art Academy, Sangeet Academy, Odisha Lalit Kala Academy, and Odia Language Institute will be reconstituted and expanded. Local art and culture will be encouraged through the establishment of cultural bhawans in each district. Majhi said the library movement will be strengthened in the state, and efforts will be made to conserve, preserve, and develop heritage sites in Odisha. He also mentioned that the appointment of Odia language teachers in high schools across the state will be considered, and research will be undertaken for the promotion, preservation, and propagation of Odia pride and self-respect. The Chief Minister further stated that the work on the Paika Memorial Academy at the foothills of Barunei in Khordha district will be expedited.