Sambalpur, 24th Sept 2025: A statement made in the state assembly by Odisha’s Minister of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, claiming that there are no current plans to include the Sambalpuri language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, has sparked intense reactions across Western Odisha. The Minister’s statement was condemned today in a joint meeting held during various events in Sambalpur.
Not only was the Minister’s remark criticized, but demands also intensified for introducing primary education in Sambalpuri and recognizing Sambalpuri as the second official language of Odisha, along with its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. In this regard, a committee comprising people from various sectors has been formed.
Sambalpuri – The Language of Over 1.5 Crore People
Sambalpuri is the language spoken by over 15 million people in Odisha, and hence, the Odisha government has a constitutional responsibility to support and promote it. The government cannot shirk this duty. Language is a sensitive issue, and any negligent or irresponsible attitude by the government could have serious consequences, the meeting warned indirectly.
During the tenure of the BJD government, twice, proposals were reportedly sent to the central government for the inclusion of Sambalpuri in the Eighth Schedule. As per existing records, Sambalpuri is among the top contenders in the central government’s pending list for inclusion in the constitutional schedule.
The BJP, during its election campaign, had promised to include Sambalpuri in the Eighth Schedule and gave it priority in its manifesto. The public trusted that if BJP came to power, it would work to make this happen. Therefore, betraying that trust is not acceptable. Ministers should be mindful of their party’s promises when making public statements and should not contradict their electoral commitments, the meeting asserted.
United Front Meeting Calls Out Political Neglect
At a joint meeting of various organizations held at the Journalist Bhavan on Monday, under the banner of Paschimanchala Ekta Manch, speakers accused the government of political neglect, which has resulted in Sambalpuri being denied constitutional recognition. They expressed disappointment that despite BJP coming to power on the plank of Odia identity, it is showing apathy towards the Sambalpuri language.
The meeting, coordinated by Bhabani Shloi, also announced the formation of a committee to formally present demands to the government. Members of this committee include:
Researcher Shashank Shekhar Panda
Laxmi Narayan Panda
Muktakanta Pradhan
Sushil Tripathy
Shibaprasad Meher
Manas Shadangi
Subash Panigrahi
Others who spoke or attended the meeting include:
Kalindi Pratap Singh
Sushant Barai
Ramanuj Panda
Lalit Bebarta
Rajesh Behera
Kamal Lochan Panda
Rahul Gupta
Shankar Behera
Ajay Nath
Babul Sonth
Bablu Bagh
Prafulla Hota
Sushama Pradhan
Pankajini Meher
Prabhanjan Purohit
Radheshyam Pradhan
Krishnachandra Bagh
Paizul Hussain
Sunil Sagar
Pradyumna Bishi, among others.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by T. Swayamprakash Panda.
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