Odisha Bhasa Sangram Samiti warns Govt, sets August 15 Deadline

The Odisha Bhasa Sangram Samiti (OBSS) has warned the state government of further agitation if they fail to fulfill their promises by August 15. The government had earlier agreed to ensure implementation of Orissa Official Language Act, 1954 in letter and spirit and even formed a committee. However, the Samiti wants quick action in this regard.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already constituted a five-member inter-ministerial committee for implementation of Odisha Official Language Act, 1954. The committee will be headed by School and Mass Education Minister Devi Prasad Mishra. Other members of the committee are Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh, Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Law Minister Arun Sahoo and Energy Minister Pranab Prakash Das.

The assurance to implement the Act was given by the Odisha Government following the eight-day-long hunger strike launched by members Gajanan Mishra and others. The committee will have its first meeting on August 1 and will coordinate with the members of Bhasa Sangram Samiti.

The Bhasa Sangram Samiti revealed that they postponed their agitation to ensure smooth conduct of Nabakalebara Rath Yatra. However, if the government fails to implement the Act by August 15, they have decided to launch fresh agitation from August 16. Convener of Odisha Bhasa Sangram Samiti, Sankarshana Parida has issued a press statement in this regard.