Bhasha Andolan, Odisha to resume ‘Black Flag March’ from August 16

The Bhasha Andolan, Odisha, which started its movement on 13th April, seeking governance of Odisha in Odia language as per the 1954 Language Act, decided to restart its ‘Black Flag March’ protest from August 16 as the Odisha government failed to add the penalty provision in Orissa Official Language Act 1954.

Earlier, Bhasha Andolon Activists decided to put their march on hold till August 15 as the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that the Odisha Official Language Act would be implemented by 15 August 2016.

“If ‘Punishment for Contravention of Orissa Official Language Act, 1954’ is not approved by the Government of Odisha by 15th August, Bhasha Andolan will resume its ‘Black Flag March’ from August 16, 2016”, declared Subhas Chandra Pattanayak – Chairman, Bhasha Andolan, Pradyumna Satpathy, President, Bhasha Andolan, and Pabitra Maharatha, Convenor, Bhasha Andolan at a press meet on August 9, 2016.

Although the Odisha Government has shown willingness to implement ‘Governance of Odisha in Odia Language’ by amending the Orissa Official Language Act, 1954, but they are in no mood to add the penalty provision, which would ensure strict enforcement of the Act.

Notably, The ‘Black Flag March’ was carried by the Bhasha Andolan for long 41 days, where prominent personalities of Odisha from different field took part and extended their support for the said cause.