Odisha Govt to set up Rs 10 Crore Research Grant for International and National Studies in Odia

Bhubaneswar: In a significant stride towards the enrichment of Odia language and culture, the Odisha Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of proactive measures, including the establishment of a Rs 10 crore research grant for international and national research in Odia.

All proposed measures will be executed under the Chief Minister’s 5T initiative, ensuring transparency and adherence to timelines.

A substantial research grant for international and national Odia studies, amounting to Rs 10 crore, will be instituted at the Odia University in Satyabadi.

To boost Odia language presence in the digital realm, an annual International Digital Odia Conference will convene experts with the aim of promoting the language in the digital space.

An expert committee will be established to standardize Odia script for keyboards and fonts, with a fixed timeframe for presenting implementation suggestions.

Exclusive Odia teachers will be deployed in 1500 high schools initially, gradually expanding to cover all high schools within a specified timeframe. Additionally, a syllabus revision committee will be formed to regularly update the curriculum based on evolving needs.

Schools and colleges exceeding 100 years will receive a Heritage grant of Rs 1 crore in two phases, while universities established before independence will be granted Rs 2 crore. A similar grant of Rs 2 crores will be allocated to pre-independence universities, preserving and promoting Odia heritage in education.

A translation policy will be introduced, offering grants for translating Odia books into various Indian and global languages. An Odia Lexicon committee will be formed to produce a revised lexicon and glossary across disciplines.

A medium-term policy will be formulated for the promotion of science, technical, and medical education in Odia. A translation grant will incentivize the publication of need-based materials in Odia.

Special initiatives targeting the next generation will identify and honor 100 budding talents annually through the Chief Minister’s recognition. The Bhasa Brudhi scholarships will be expanded for inclusivity, and a Chief Minister’s Cup for debating in Odia among students will be instituted.

A statewide public library movement will foster a reading culture among youth, with support for Odia libraries within India and abroad. Volunteerism will be encouraged for Odia language promotion both within and outside the state.

The printing museum in Cuttack will undergo expansion to become the Indian Printing Museum, showcasing global printing culture.

The Odisha Institute of Maritime and South East Asian studies will evolve into a Centre of Excellence with an annual grant of Rs 2 crores.

Support and incentives will be provided for the development of children’s literature in Odia. Proposals are underway to establish Odia chairs in various universities across India and abroad. An international Journal of Odia Studies will be published by Odia University.

An Odia Learning Management System (LMS) will be developed to facilitate online learning of Odia language up to class eight for Odias residing outside Odisha. The Odia Virtual Academy website will host these resources.

Government backing for museums and archives will ensure proper documentation, conservation, and dissemination of cultural artifacts.