Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: Oriya language will be implemented in all official transactions for which rules are in advanced stage of formulation.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told his council of ministers Saturday that his ‘‘government is committed to promote Oriya language and the rich cultural heritage of Orissa’’ while addressing it to mark the completion of two years of his government in the fourth term.
Stating that Orissa Official Languages Rules are in advanced stage of formulation for better implementation of Oriya in transaction of official business, Patnaik said Orissa Official Languages Act, 1954, is being suitably amended for the purpose.
‘‘I am hopeful that by August 15 this shall be implemented,’’ Patnaik said. He also announced that University of Oriya Language and Literature would be established with an aim of teaching and research in Oriya language and literature at postgraduate, doctoral and post doctoral levels.
‘‘Odia Virtual Academy’’ which was announced in this year’s budget will be a reality, he said, adding a five-member advisory committee has been formed for this. Through this academy rich literary corpus of Oriya language would be digitised and made available through web portal.
While faculty position in Oriya in universities and colleges would be filled up on priority, the government has instituted ‘‘Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati scholarship for Oriya’’ with a cash award of `20,000 for students securing more than 90 per cent in Plus II and Plus III level, he said.
Creation of Oriya chair in reputed universities outside Orissa like JNU and BHU is beign pursued, Patnaik said. Budgetary provision has been made for Oriya chair in JNU, he pointed out.
Oriya Bhasa Pratisthan proposes to come out with a new edition of Oriya Administrative Glossary, he said, adding ‘‘the heart and soul of Orissa is in Lord Jagannath, Oriya language and literature.’’
Maintaining that the government’s approach has always been inclusive covering all sections of society, Patnaik said focus is to address the basic needs of farmers, women, youth and the disadvantaged and marginalised sections.
Referring to major achievements of his government, he said the Nabakalebar festival was successfully organised at Puri, while 10 lakh kutcha houses were converted into pucca houses, creating a benchmark at the national level.
