Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has introduced strict new rules requiring shops and businesses to prominently display Odia language on their signboards. This initiative, led by the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UD), aims to strengthen the use of Odia in public spaces and preserve the state’s linguistic identity. 
Odisha Shops Face ₹500 Daily Fines for Non-Odia Signboards


Key Regulations for Businesses

  • 60% Odia Script Requirement: All shops and commercial establishments in municipal corporations, municipalities, and notified area councils must now ensure that at least 60% of their signboard's total display area uses the Odia script. This rule guarantees the Odia language is visually dominant on storefronts.
  • Compliance Incentive: Businesses following this rule will receive a 5% rebate on their trade license renewal fee. This discount will be applied automatically through the SUJOG or Bhubaneswar.me online portals during the renewal process.
  • Deadline & Penalties: Local authorities (Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Notified Area Councils) must enforce this rule and complete verification checks during license renewals by September 30, 2025. Non-compliant businesses will first receive a formal notice. They then have 88 days to correct their signboards. Failure to comply within this grace period will result in a daily penalty of ₹500 until the signboard meets the standard.
  • Awareness Campaign: Local governing bodies must actively educate shop owners and businesses about these new signboard rules. They are also directed to run awareness campaigns to ensure smooth implementation.

Preserving Odisha's Heritage

Principal Secretary Usha Padhi issued the official directive, framing the move as a vital step to protect and promote Odisha's rich cultural and linguistic traditions. By making Odia script mandatory on commercial signage, the government seeks to increase the language's visibility and accessibility for the public in everyday urban settings. 
Odisha Shops Face ₹500 Daily Fines for Non-Odia Signboards


Accountability and Reporting

The H&UD Department has set a strict timeline for action. Local authorities must rigorously enforce these rules and submit a detailed compliance report to the department within 60 days. This ensures statewide adherence to the new signboard policy.

Why This Matters

This policy directly impacts all urban shopkeepers and business owners across Odisha. It balances cultural preservation with practical incentives, encouraging businesses to showcase the state's official language while offering a financial benefit for compliance. Authorities will actively monitor signboards during the upcoming license renewal cycle to uphold this linguistic priority.