KalingaTV News Network
Puri: In BJD government’s first ever attempt in 17 years of rule in the State, it held Cabinet meeting outside the state capital Bhubaneswar today. The meeting held at Circuit House in Puri and presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ended up with several crucial decisions including proposal to form heritage cabinet, Odia Language Commission along with organisation of quinquennial Odia Language Summit.
Among others, decision was also taken to form a separate Odia Language and Culture Department which is currently functioning with the Tourism Department, waving of course fee for Odia language studies at the College and University level, increasing PhD seats in Odia language under different universities in the state, as well as relaxation of norms under Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati Scholarship.
With an objective to make Odia signage mandatory, the Cabinet also gave a nod to form a new law by bringing necessary amendment in the Orissa Shops and commercial Establishments Act (1956). The defaulters would be punishable under the new law. Similarly, a proposal for necessary amendment in the Orissa Official Language Act, 1954 to reward officials using Odia language in all government works also got clearance during the meeting.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who arrived in the religious town to attend the 20th Foundataion Day celebration of BJD held at Talabania as well as to take part in the Cabinet meet, started up with Sri Jagannath Temple visit, in the morning. After performing darshan of the deities Naveen expressed his happiness over the progress in Jagmohan repair work at the temple.
Ms Kalinga