Odishatv Bureau

Puri: Policies related to propagation of Odia language dominated the Cabinet meeting today that passed several proposals including formation of Odia language Commission, waiver of fees for pursuing Odia at degree and post graduation levels besides  formation of a heritage cabinet.

The meeting which was held under the chairmanship of CM Naveen Patnaik in Puri, also decided to separate tourism department from Culture department.

Amendment will be made in Orissa Shops & Commercial Establishment Act, 1956 that will make it compulsory for commercial establishments to have Odia signage. A special web portal will be functional to collect data about the violators, the cabinet decided.

The heritage cabinet, it was decided, will work for the growth and preservation of Odia literature and language.

The meeting also decided on waiving tuition fee in colleges and universities for  students pursuing degree and post-graduation in Odia literature. The criteria for Byasa Kabi Fakir Mohan scholarship will be relaxed making more students eligible for the same. It was also decided to give incentive to students pursuing research in Odia language in the lines of University Grants Commission (UGC). The number of seats in PhD in Odia will be increased and measures taken to strengthen faculty if required.

The Cabinet also decided on instituting prizes for those who have contributed to research and designing of Odia web portals. Every block and district will have its own library where large number of Odia books will be made available which will finally transform into ‘Smart Libraries’ phasically.

The other decisions taken at the Cabinet include decision to respond in Odia to any letter, complaint or application addressed that the government receives, doubling of funds for  renovation of Bhagabata Tungi and holding of ‘World Odia Language Convention’ every five years.

 

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