Bhubaneswar: As many as 148 institutions in Khurda district were issued show-cause notices in last two months for not complying with Odia on signboard norm, Assistant Labour Officer Rashmita Patra said Tuesday.
Patra stated that upon issuing notices, out of the 148, nearly 61 institutions changed their signboards and included Odia nameplates. However, a report has been filed against six institutions as they did not adhere to the norm even after issuing several notices.
According to a source, as many as eight business establishments have been served notices in Bhubaneswar.
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It can be mentioned here that Odia got the classical language status in 2018. Later, Odisha government enacted a law making Odia language compulsory on signboards for shops, government offices, and private organisations in the state. Although, the entities can include other languages like English in addition to Odia on their signboards.
However, the order was not abided by many institutions across Odisha. Afterwards, Odisha government levied a penalty of Rs 5,000 if the signboard was not changed following non-compliance with the first notice and Rs 25,000 for defiance after the second notice.
It can also be mentioned here that even after five years of the legislation becoming law, non-Odia signboards can be found in plenty across Odisha.
PNN