Odisha Labour Ministry Fines 319 Shopkeepers for Missing Odia Name Boards
The Odisha Labour and Employment Department has intensified its drive to preserve the state’s linguistic heritage by penalising shopkeepers who fail to display name boards in the Odia language.
Between 2023 and 2025, authorities issued 2,594 show‑cause notices to business owners across the state.
Of these, 319 shopkeepers were fined for non‑compliance, Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia informed the Assembly.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to promote Odia, enhance public awareness, and ensure adherence to official regulations.
Minister Singkhuntia emphasised that enforcement is essential to safeguard Odisha’s cultural identity while holding businesses accountable.
The Labour Department continues to monitor compliance, issuing notices and penalties where necessary, with the aim of encouraging widespread adoption of Odia signage and reinforcing the state’s linguistic pride.
