Assembly passes Official Language Bill

The State Assembly on Tuesday passed the much-awaited ‘Odisha Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2018’ having penal provisions for noncompliance and reward for extensive use of Odia by State Government officials in official communications.

“We welcome the Bill (Amendment). However, violations and quantum of punishment have not been defined,” said Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra speaking to reporters.

“Amendment is just mere eyewash. It would have been better had it been passed after incorporating penal provisions,” said BJP leader Pradip Purohit in his reaction.

Government Chief Whip Amar Prasad Satpathy said, “From now onwards, Government employees will be forced to do official business in Odia. Employees will get incentives for using Odia in official business. Rules are being worked out over the quantum of penalty.”

The House also passed the ‘Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2018’ making signboards in Odia mandatory for shops and business establishments.

Under the provisions in the Bill, all shops and other business establishments have to comply with the order within a month of its implementation or pay fine. Penalty for first-time violators will be Rs 1,000 subject to a maximum of Rs 5,000.

However for second violation, penalty will be Rs 2,000 subject to a maximum of Rs 25,000.