Odisha Govt Prohibits Use of Term ‘Harijan’ in Official Communication

Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: The Odisha government has directed all departments, public institutions, and educational establishments to stop using the term “Harijan” in any form of official communication, records, or documents.

In a notification issued by the ST & SC Development Department, officials were instructed that the term shall not appear in caste certificates, departmental names, publications, transactions, or any other official context.

The order mandates the use of the constitutional term “Scheduled Caste” in English and its appropriate translation in Odia or other national languages, as per Article 341 of the Constitution of India.

The directive applies to all attached, autonomous, and subordinate offices, with strict compliance required. Departments have been asked to sensitise officers and staff and ensure that existing documents and records are revised wherever feasible.

Compliance reports on the implementation of the order must be submitted to the Welfare Department.