TV
The BJP-led government in Odisha has issued a notification mandating saffron as the uniform colour code for all state-owned office buildings, both new and existing.
According to the notification issued by the Works Department, "The government has been pleased for adoption of uniform colour code henceforth for all new government buildings as well as existing buildings at the time of periodical repair/renovation works executed."
Dated July 30, the order recommended RGB (red, green, and blue) shades resembling light saffron and terracotta for exterior walls and borders respectively. The directive applies to all departments of the state government as well as public sector undertakings.
A similar instruction had earlier been issued by the state government in October last year. At the time, all engineering heads were directed to implement the same colour code for both newly constructed government buildings and existing ones during routine repairs and renovations.
In March this year, the state had also directed all government schools to be painted in shades of orange, with orange tan borders, during any construction, repair, or renovation activity.
Additionally, the BJP government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revised the colour and design of school uniforms for secondary students under the Mukhyamantri Chhatra Chhatri Paridhan Yojana, shifting from white and green to light brown and maroon.
The move has drawn strong criticism from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which accused the government of prioritising cosmetic changes over meaningful development.
"It is an effort to divert the attention of people from the ongoing atrocities on women and girls in the state," said BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty.
"During the 13-month rule of the BJP government, the government has completely failed to provide good governance. Law and order in the state has deteriorated and women have become unsafe. Development has stalled. Question papers have been leaked 13 times in 13 months of rule. The government has completely failed in conducting flawless examinations and organising flawless Rath Yatra. Instead of taking corrective measures, it is busy with colour change," Mohanty said, as per PTI.
Senior Congress leader and former OPCC president Jaydev Jena added: "Changing colour of building, dress of students and cover of milk packets shows the weak mentality of a national party and its local government."
