In a significant step towards safeguarding the linguistic and cultural identity of Odia-speaking communities living outside the state, the Odisha Legislative Assembly’s House Committee on the Development of Minority Odia Language Speakers held a key meeting today under the chairmanship of Speaker Surama Padhy.
The Speaker underlined the urgent need to create genuine interest in Odia language education among children in disconnected regions, border areas and peripheral zones. She stressed that improving school infrastructure, appointing adequate teachers and ensuring regular supply of textbooks in these areas must receive top priority. Awareness programmes and student encouragement initiatives will also be strengthened, she said.
With Odisha set to complete 100 years as a separate province in 2036, Padhy called for the preparation of a dedicated roadmap to accelerate the promotion and propagation of the Odia language in these regions.
Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi advised departmental officials to undertake regular field visits and maintain close coordination with local authorities so that protection and promotion of the Odia language receive sustained attention on the ground.
The meeting reviewed the situation in traditional Odia-speaking pockets such as Sadeikala, Kharsuan, Singhbhum, Medinipur and Manjusha. Officials from various departments presented proposals and data. The Information and Public Relations Department reported that publications like *Utkal Prasanga* and *Pragati Prabah* are already being sent regularly to these areas and will be expanded further. The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department proposed enhanced financial support for the preservation of heritage, art and culture, while giving priority to supplying Odia books to local libraries.
Several MLAs, including Manoranjan Dyanasamantara, Fakir Naik, Gautam Buddha Das, Ganeshwar Behera, Gaurishankar Majhi, Narsingh Madkami, Durgacharan Tanti and Raghuram Machh, participated in the discussions along with senior officials from the School & Mass Education, Odia Language Literature & Culture, and Information & Public Relations departments.
The meeting concluded with a clear message: protecting the Odia language and culture beyond the state’s borders is not merely a cultural duty but a long-term commitment as Odisha prepares to mark a historic centenary.
