Orissa CM Invites Bhasha Andolan to Discussion

If the Chief Minister is sincere in his approach, one may call it the first positive step towards governance of Orissa in Oriya; as on being invited by the Chief Minister, Bhasha Andolan leadership comprising Subhas Chandra Pattanayak (Chairman), Pradyumna Satapathy (President) and Pabitra Maharatha (Convener), met him in an exclusive discussion in his Secretariat chamber at 6.30 pm on Friday.

Former Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, who, as Chairman of the Ministerial Committee, had the greatest role in making the Government accept the first part of the advice, which SCP had given as a member of that Committee and in, consequent upon that, in inserting section 4 in the Orissa Official Language Act, 1954, paving thereby the way for formation of Rules to drive the Act ahead under the new section, facilitated the discussion. Minister Prafulla Samal and Spokesman of the ruling party, MP (Rajyasabha) Pratap Dev were present.

The Bhasha Andolan leadership was amused to watch that the CM had nothing to say, even though the meeting was convened as per his invitation.

Bhasha Andolan shall continue with its Black Flag Campaign till punitive provisions are made in the OOL Act and its Rules, the leadership decided.