Bhubaneswar: Half of the total Odia teachers' posts in various universities across the state are lying vacant at a time when the state government claims to be working towards promoting the language.

Out of the eight government-run universities that have Odia departments, Utkal University, Fakir Mohan University, Gangadhar Meher University, Ravenshaw University and Rama Devi Women's University are running without any Odia faculty member at present.

Academicians and littérateurs have expressed their concern over the issue.

"The state government seems to be lacking in its willingness to promote the Odia language. One of major prerequisites in promoting the language is enhancing its status in the education scenario. There is no point in spending so much on promotions when there is a huge gap in providing education," said former Odia professor Monalisa Dash.

"There is an urgent need to conduct research in Odia linguistics and grammar, the use of technology in developing the language and multidimensional lexicography. A separate centre to work on these areas is needed," said linguist Debi Prasanna Pattanayak.

Many people also expressed concern over the lack of presence of Odia on the Internet.

Subhashish Panigrahi, a regular contributor to Odia Wikipedia, said: "The use of Odia language is increasing but that is on a personal level.

There is need to promote use of Unicode in Odia at all government levels such as websites, circulars and other publications so that it becomes accessible. Making use of technology to ensure that its presence increases on the web platform is very important.

There is still lack of content in Odia on the web and the government should work towards it."