The Odisha Labour and Employment Department has fined 319 shopkeepers for failing to display name boards in the Odia language, Minister for Labour and Employees’ State Insurance, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, informed the State Assembly.
Between 2023 and 2025, authorities issued 2,594 show-cause notices to business owners who did not comply with the mandatory requirement of having shop signs in Odia. Of these, 319 shopkeepers were penalized for non-compliance.
The move is part of the state government’s ongoing effort to promote the Odia language, enhance public awareness, and ensure that official regulations are followed. Minister Khuntia emphasized that such enforcement is necessary to protect the cultural identity of Odisha while maintaining accountability among businesses.
The Labour Department continues to monitor compliance, issuing notices and penalties where necessary, aiming to encourage businesses to adopt Odia signage and preserve linguistic heritage.
