Odisha Government Mandates Odia in Schools and Offices

In a landmark move to strengthen linguistic identity, the Odisha Government has directed that Odia be made mandatory across schools, colleges, and government offices.

All official files, notes, reports, and administrative communication must now be prepared in Odia, with disciplinary action against officers failing to comply.

From the 2024–25 academic year, Odia-medium instruction will be compulsory in government, aided, and private schools.

Teaching, examinations, and evaluations will be conducted in Odia from primary to higher secondary levels.

Lead schools in each district will be linked with satellite schools to promote Odia teaching and cultural activities.

Special measures include Odia Braille and sign language for children with disabilities, digital content development, vocational education partnerships, and the formation of Odia language clubs.

District-level committees will monitor compliance and submit progress reports to the Chief Secretary’s office.

Educationists and language activists have welcomed the directive, calling it historic and vital for preserving Odisha’s cultural identity.