Odisha government uses Odia on signboard at shops

On Wednesday (August 6, 2025), the Odisha government made it mandatory for all shops and commercial establishments in urban areas to prominently display the signboard in Odia language.

This instruction was issued by the Principal Secretary USHADHA of the Housing and Urban Development Department for businesses under the jurisdiction of municipal corporations, municipalities and notified area councils.

It said that this order aligns with the state government’s commitment to maintain Odia language in public places and to make signs more accessible to citizens, especially unfamiliar with other languages or scripts.

Instructions said that all shops and commercial installations in urban areas should ensure that the Odia script is at least 60% of the total area of its signboard.

“This will help strengthen the visibility and importance of the official language of the state,” it said.

“To encourage compliance, obedient establishments will be eligible for a five percent discount on the renewal fee of their business license,” the order states.

Urban local bodies were instructed to verify compliance during business license renewal and inspection, which should be completed by 30 September this year. Non-transportation installations will receive a formal notice and 55 days will be given to fix the signage.

Off 500 per day will be fined for continuous non-transport beyond the grace period.

In addition, all municipal corporations, municipalities, and notified area councils were directed to inform shopkeepers about new criteria and to conduct awareness drives to increase the support necessary for implementation.

All ULB needs to ensure strict compliance with these instructions and submit a comprehensive compliance report within 60 days, which is in the office of the director of the municipal administration.