Odisha Government Bans Use of ‘Harijan’, Orders Use of Constitutional Term ‘Scheduled Caste’ in All Official Communication.
Bhubaneswar, — The Government of Odisha’s ST & SC Development, Minority & Backward Classes Welfare Department has issued a directive prohibiting the use of the term ‘Harijan’ in all public institutions, educational establishments, and government communications. Instead, officials have been instructed to exclusively use the constitutional term ‘Scheduled Caste’ in English and its corresponding Odia translation in all official records, communications, and documents.
The order, issued under reference No. 19351/SSD, cites earlier guidelines from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, and a recent order from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) dated January 31, 2025. The circular reiterates that the word ‘Harijan’ must not appear in any form of government communication, caste certificates, publications, departmental titles, or transactions.
Strict Use of Constitutional Term ‘Scheduled Caste’
The notification emphasizes that only the term ‘Scheduled Caste’ as defined under Article 341 of the Constitution of India must be used to denote individuals belonging to this category. The Odia translation, “ଅନୁସୂଚିତ ଜାତି”, is to be used in state level communications and other national languages where applicable.
Implementation and Compliance Measures
Departments have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the directive across all attached, autonomous, and subordinate offices. All officers and staff are to be sensitized about the change, and existing records and documents must be revised to replace the prohibited term with ‘Scheduled Caste’ wherever feasible.
The order further mandates that compliance reports on the actions taken be submitted to the ST & SC Development Department. The Chief Secretary has approved the directive, underscoring the state government’s commitment to aligning its language with constitutional provisions and promoting respectful terminology in official discourse.
Background of the Directive
The term ‘Harijan’, once used by Mahatma Gandhi to describe marginalized communities, has been deemed outdated and considered derogatory by many rights groups. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and various state governments have previously advised against its use, recommending ‘Scheduled Caste’ as the only acceptable official term.
With this latest move, Odisha joins a growing list of states actively enforcing the constitutional nomenclature to ensure dignity and uniformity in government communication. The step is seen as part of a broader effort to remove outdated and potentially offensive language from official use, thereby promoting inclusivity and legal accuracy.
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