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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt announces discount on trade licence renewal for shops using Odia on signboards
Bhubaneswar: To promote use of Odia language in public spaces, the Odisha govt has announced a 5% discount on trade license renewal fees for shops and commercial establishments that use Odia script on their signboards. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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 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.
United News of India
4 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Odisha Government mandates use of Odia script on commercial signboards
Bhubaneswar, Aug 6 (UNI) In a proactive move to promote and preserve the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Odisha, the state government has issued a directive mandating the use of Odia script on signboards of all shops and commercial establishments within the jurisdiction of Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Notified Area Councils. This directive is part of the government's broader commitment to uphold the Odia language in public spaces and ensure signage is accessible, especially for citizens unfamiliar with other languages or scripts. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, issued the order stating that Odia script must occupy at least 60 percent of the total area of every signboard. This initiative is intended to reinforce the visibility and importance of the state's official language. To encourage compliance, establishments adhering to the rule will receive a five percent discount on the renewal fee for their trade licenses, available through the SUJOG or portals. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have been instructed to verify compliance during trade license renewals and inspections, which must be completed by September 30, 2025. Non-compliant establishments will receive formal notices and will be given 55 days to make the necessary changes. A penalty of Rs. 500 per day will be levied for continued non-compliance beyond the grace period. All Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Notified Area Councils have also been directed to conduct awareness campaigns to inform shopkeepers of the new norms and offer support for smooth implementation. ULBs must ensure strict compliance with the directive and submit a comprehensive report within 60 days to the Office of the Director, Municipal Administration, as per the instructions. UNI DP BM
