Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced April 14, 2026 , that the Odia language will be mandatory in all schools across Odisha. The directive applies to state-run and private schools, including those affiliated with CBSE and ICSE boards. The decision aims to preserve and promote Odia linguistic and cultural identity. This mandate ensures all students learn to read, write, and speak the state's official language.
Compulsory Odia Language Policy
The new policy makes Odia a required subject in all educational institutions. This includes English-medium schools. The government seeks to strengthen the connection between traditional culture and modern education. Future generations will maintain their cultural roots while pursuing global opportunities.
Policy Objectives
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized education's role in character development and cultural preservation. He stated the policy's primary goals:
- Linguistic Heritage: Prevent Odia from being neglected in private and urban education.
- Universal Literacy: Ensure all students can use the official state language.
- Administrative Integration: Prioritize Odia in all government correspondence.
Support Initiatives
The state government is implementing several programs to support the new language mandate. These include:
| Initiative | Description |
| Odia Barnabodha Distribution | Distribution of over 18,000 language primers to students. |
| Godabarish Mishra Adarsh Schools | Establishment of specialized primary schools in each panchayat. |
| PM SHRI Model Schools | Upgrading 800 schools with digital tools for language learning. |
| Odia Paksha Celebrations | An annual 14-day festival promoting Odia literature, art, and heritage. |
The Chief Minister also mandated that Odia be the primary language for all government official correspondence. This move reflects the state's cultural identity.
