Bhubaneswar: Odia language will be used for official communication in Odisha, announced Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi after entering the Lok Seva Bhawan for the first time after taking oath.

CM Majhi formally started working from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar today.

Addressing the press at the Lok Seva Bhawan, he announced that official work will be done in Odia language.

"Necessary initiatives will be taken for extensive use of Odia in offices. If required, amendments will be made in the existing Act," Majhi said in his statement.

Emphasizing for promotion of the regional language, he said, "A translation academy and Odia Asmita Bhawan will be set up for promoting Odia literature."

"Odia language teachers will be appointed in high schools. The three pioneer institutions -- Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi-- will be revived and reconstituted. Steps will be taken to increase the efficiency of these academies. Language Commission will be set up. Physical progress as well as cultural progress will be given priority. Importance will be given to the establishment, growth, conservation and spread of Odia Asmita," Majhi announced.

He said that quality research will be done in field of Odia language. The art and culture of districts will be developed. The Odissi Research Centre will be made functional. The movement for increasing reading habit and library will be expanded and organised. There will be arrangements for use of modern, simple and accessible technology for the language.

Quality research will be done in the field of Odia language. The art culture of the district will be developed. The Odissi Research Centre will be made functional. In Odisha, reading habits will be increased and the library movement will be expanded and organized. There will be arrangements for the use of modern simple and accessible technology for the language.

The feedback will be sought from people on the steps to be taken for development of Odia Asmita, he further stated.