Questions Arise Over Odia Identity: English Dominates Government Offices, Odia Takes a Backseat
Overuse of English in Official Work Despite Policies
Seven months into the new government, questions are being raised about its commitment to promoting the Odia language. Although decisions were made earlier to use Odia in district-level offices, government departments, and secretariats, the implementation remains ineffective. Instead, English dominates official communication.
Inconsistent Implementation of Odia Usage
The Odia Language Institute had started training government officials in Odia six years ago, but the results are negligible. While the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture uses Odia extensively, other departments rely primarily on English. Government files and documents often have titles in Odia but the contents are in English. Even correspondences, notifications, and circulars are primarily in English.
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Training Stopped Abruptly
In 2010, district officials such as Collectors, Tahsildars, and Development Officers were trained to use Odia in official work. However, this initiative stopped abruptly. Although it resumed briefly in 2019, training outcomes remained unsatisfactory, and most officials continued to prefer English.
Officials’ Preference for English
Many government officials, including department heads, continue to communicate and write in English. Some trained employees blame the lack of strict rules and enforcement for the dominance of English in government offices. An officer remarked that without stricter policies and consistent follow-up, no significant change would occur.
Experts Call for Immediate Action
Language experts emphasize the need for immediate action from the government to prioritize Odia in official work. They suggest that clear guidelines and strict enforcement are essential to preserve and promote the use of Odia in government offices. Without this, the vision of making Odia the primary language in governance will remain unfulfilled.
