Govt announces discount on trade licence renewal for shops using Odia on signboards
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The housing and urban development department issued a notification on Wednesday to ensure compliance with the Orissa Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, which mandates the use of Odia on signboards. Citing Rule 32 of the 1958 Rules framed under the Act, the govt reiterated that every business outlet must display its name prominently in Odia script.
"To promote and protect the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Odisha, the state govt shows its strong commitment and helps the public who do not understand any other language or script except Odia," read the notification.
All municipal corporations, municipalities, and urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state will ensure that shops and commercial establishments in their areas are using Odia billboards. Official sources said despite repeated directives in the past, many establishments continue to flout the rule by using only English or other scripts. The latest circular warns that strict action will be taken against violators while offering a financial incentive to encourage compliance.
"All shop owners and business operators are hereby directed to prominently use Odia in at least 60% of the signages. Non-compliance will attract penal action," the order stated. "To encourage more shops and business establishments to use Odia scripts, the govt has offered a 5% discount on the renewal of their trade licenses. The discount can be availed on the SUJOG and Bhubaneswar.me portals," it read.
Urban local bodies have been instructed to strictly enforce the rule across their jurisdictions and submit a report about adherence within the next 60 days. The govt's decision has been welcomed by language activists, who have long demanded stricter implementation of the policy to safeguard the identity and dignity of Odia language.
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