Govt jobs in Odisha: Odia candidate outside state flags language barrier; request approved for consideration

The Odisha government is moving ahead with examining a proposal seeking policy intervention on Odia language requirements for Odia-origin candidates who grew up and studied outside the state, following a formal representation received by the authorities.

The General Administration and Public Grievance (GA&PG) Department and the School and Mass Education Department have been asked to study the issue after a letter from an Odia domicile applicant highlighted structural barriers created by mandatory Odia language papers in State recruitment examinations.

According to official communication dated December 2, the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department (OLL&C) forwarded the representation of Abhishek Kumar of Mayurbhanj district, requesting policy examination regarding Odia language eligibility for Odia domicile candidates educated outside Odisha.

Representation Flags Challenges For Non-Domicile Odias

In the representation enclosed, the applicant stated that a growing number of Odia families live outside the State due to service-related migration, resulting in children completing their schooling under CBSE, ICSE or other State boards that do not offer Odia as a subject.

The letter noted that such candidates are Odia by origin and domicile but grew up without exposure to Odia writing.

It stated that the present requirement of qualifying a written Odia language examination at the application stage of recruitment prevents these candidates from returning to Odisha for government service, despite being genuine Odia-origin youth.

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Odisha Govt Forwards Review

To address the issue without diluting language standards, the letter proposed that the State consider allowing a 6–12 month grace period after recruitment, during which eligible Odia domicile candidates educated outside Odisha must acquire the prescribed Odia language proficiency and qualify the required examination.

Accordingly, the communication from the OLL&C Department directed the GA&PG Department and the School and Mass Education Department to examine the representation and take necessary action.

Further steps will reportedly depend on the departments’ policy assessment and any recommendations sent to the government.