Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to promote linguistic pride and strengthen the use of the state’s official language, the Odisha government has mandated that all official work in government offices be carried out exclusively in Odia.
The directive was issued on Wednesday by the General Administration Department, making strict compliance compulsory across all levels of the state administration. As per the order, all notices, notifications, official correspondence, files and internal communications must now be drafted only in Odia.
The mandate applies uniformly to block offices, district collectorates, state-level departments, subordinate offices, government institutions, public sector undertakings, municipal bodies and autonomous organisations functioning under the state government.
The government has cautioned that non-compliance will invite action. Officials failing to adhere to the directive will first be issued warnings, followed by show-cause notices if lapses continue. The order underlines that there will be no tolerance for delays or excuses in implementing the language policy.
To facilitate smooth execution, the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department has been entrusted with providing necessary support, including language resources, technical assistance and guidance to government offices.
Officials said the move reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that governance is conducted in the language of the people, making administration more accessible and culturally rooted. The directive is also seen as a reaffirmation of Odisha’s identity and its long-standing emphasis on preserving and promoting the Odia language in public life.
With this order, the state government has sent a clear message that Odia will now be the sole working language of administration in Odisha.
-OdishaAge
