Odisha’s New Government Takes Multiple Revolutionary Steps Within a Month

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Bhubaneswar: After 24 years, Odisha has witnessed a change in government. Following the devastating defeat of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the 2024 general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has assumed power in the state under the leadership of Mohan Charan Majhi, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Although it has been less than a month since the new government took office, numerous groundbreaking measures have already been implemented. These initiatives have garnered support even from other political parties, and opposition to Majhi’s actions has been minimal.

During the election campaign, the BJP emphasized the issue of Odia identity, which resonated with the people of Odisha, leading them to vote the party into power. Within 24 hours of assuming office, the BJP government opened the four gates of the Shree Jagannath Temple, with promises to soon open the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) as well. It is anticipated that this sacred place will be opened within the next seven days. The government, alongside the temple administration, aims to assess the current condition of the temple, which has been closed for many years. The new government under Majhi is focusing on both development and the promotion of Odia identity.

Chief Minister’s Office and Language Policy

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has started official work from the Lok Seva Bhavan’s Chief Minister’s office after initially working from the temporary office at the state guest house post his swearing-in. During a press briefing, Majhi announced that all official documents presented to him must be in Odia. He emphasized prioritizing the cultural progress of Odisha along with its physical development, stating that the establishment, growth, preservation, and expansion of Odia identity will be given significant importance. Steps will be taken to reorganize and enhance the capabilities of the State Academies of Literature, Music, Drama, and Fine Arts, activate the Odia Research Centre, encourage qualitative research on Odia identity, and promote reading habits and library movements in the state.

Ensuring Success in Language Promotion

While past Chief Ministers have also attempted to govern in Odia, these efforts mostly remained at the declaration level without effective implementation. Debates have emerged on whether Majhi’s announcements will result in substantial action or remain as mere declarations. The Odia language movement has a long history, with significant struggles by language enthusiasts spanning decades. During the tenure of Nabakrishna Choudhury, the Odisha Official Language Act of 1954 was enacted, mandating the use of Odia in all official work. However, due to the lack of prepared rules for implementation, Odia was not used extensively in government offices. Similarly, Rajendra Narayan Singhdeo had issued a notification to conduct government work in Odia.

Steps for Odia Language and Literature

The state government plans to establish a Translation Academy to promote Odia language and literature, ensuring modern, simple, and accessible technology for the language. The construction of Odia Language Bhavan and Asmita Bhavan will be undertaken. A Language Commission will be formed, and government work will be conducted in Odia. Necessary amendments to the Official Language Act will be made to ensure adherence to the law. The restructuring of the Odia Language Institution will be carried out. Integrated cultural buildings will be constructed in each district, and local art and culture will be encouraged. The recruitment of Odia language teachers at the higher secondary level will be considered. The Chief Minister has invited public suggestions on what more can be done in the field of Odia identity.

Medical Education in Odia

Fulfilling its election promise, the state government has initiated the process for medical education in the Odia language. Based on the BJP’s election manifesto, the government has formed a 22-member expert committee under the chairmanship of Professor Manas Ranjan Sahu, Vice-Chancellor of Odisha Health Sciences University. This committee is expected to submit its report to the Health Department within 15 days, addressing the translation of essential medical curriculum into Odia, the time required, and the necessary resources for implementation.