Labour Department Raises Awareness for Odia Signboards; 41 Shops Issued Notices
By Addanki Iswar R.
Malkangiri,11 Aug,2023: In a bid to promote regional language and adherence to government regulations, the Labour Department has initiated a campaign urging business establishments in Malkangiri Municipality and Balimela NAC to display their signboards in Odia. Despite previous directives from the state government, a considerable number of shops had neglected this requirement. The Labour Department undertook inspections in both regions, resulting in show cause notices being issued to 42 businesses – 22 in Malkangiri Municipality and 20 in Balimela NAC.
The notices mandate that the signboards be translated into Odia within a week, with photocopies submitted to the Labour Department for verification. Stringent actions will follow if the directives are ignored, warned Mr. Sharat Kumar Panigarahi, the District Labour Officer. Additionally, businesses that previously adhered to the rule by employing small-sized Odia text have been instructed to present the information in capital letters.
A meeting chaired by the Additional District Magistrate and Sub Collector solidified the decision to ensure Odia signage in public and private establishments. The campaign spanned 15 days and employed public announcements through microphones to spread awareness. Post the campaign, inspections have commenced, and violations will incur fines of up to 25 thousand rupees, accompanied by potential legal actions.
Assistant Labour Officers, Mr. Bishwaranjan Kanhar and Purnima Duruka, personally visited various establishments to issue awareness notices. This move aims not only to reinforce language identity but also to align businesses with official requirements, fostering a sense of unity and compliance within the community.
