Bhasa Andolan Odisha seeks clarity on Penal Provisions

ONI Bureau: The Bhasa Andolan, Odisha, which has been spearheading the movement for the last 622 days, demanding Governance of Odisha in Odia language with penal provisions, has rejected the Cabinet decision on promotion of Odia language, saying it lacks clarity and looks deceptive.

“Whatever decision was taken by the Cabinet in Puri on the sidelines of BJD’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, seems to be aimed at rehabilitating the ‘Bhasa Mafia’ instead of serving the cause of Odia language and culture. Had there been any serious intent to add penal provisions to ‘The Orissa Official Language Act, 1954’, the Cabinet would have clarified on the modalities including the quantum of punishment, the legal process etc,” Bhasa Andolan Odisha said in a press statement.

Bhasa Andolan Odisha Press Release

“The Government has tried to weave a web with false and misleading statements to woo the voters. However, Bhasa Andolan, Odisha won’t succumb to its tricks and intensify the black flag agitation further,” the release said.

“While it’s a matter of big relief that the government has woken up from the deep slumber, thanks to our relentless efforts to continue with the movement, the Cabinet decision lacks clarity and credibility. The Government still remains silent on the modalities of penal provisions although these are available on the government website at odia.odisha.gov.in as per the draft proposal provided by Bhasa Andolan Odisha Chairman Subhas Chandra Pattanayak. The same stand was taken by the government way back in 2009, but nothing substantiate happened”, the release said.

“The Bhasa Andolan Odisha asks the government to show urgency and clarity to take effective steps to ensure Governance of Odisha in Odia language with strong penalties. We also demand a ‘Bhasa Court’ to try the violators instead of a ‘Bhasa Commission’,” said Convener Pabitra Maharatha. Chairman Subhas Chandra Pattanayak and President Pradyumna Satpathy were also present in the core group meeting of the Bhasa Andolan, Odisha.