Odisha Govt Bans Use of ‘Harijan’ in Official Communications

Swift Summary

• The Odisha Government has issued instructions to stop using the term ‘Harijan’ in all official communications,public records,educational institutions,and other settings.
• Replacements such as ‘Scheduled Caste’ in English or ‘Anusuchita Jati‘ in Odia have been recommended.
• A circular on August 12, 2025, by the Commissioner-cum-secretary of the ST and SC Development Department directed authorities to comply with this policy and submit a compliance report.
• This move follows guidelines from the Odisha human Rights Commission (OHRC), which prohibited using the term ‘Harijan.’
• The State Government emphasized updating existing records and educating staff about this new standard.
• Historical context: In 1982 and again in 2013, central government directives urged states not to use ‘Harijan’ in any official capacity.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Odisha Government’s decision represents a significant step towards aligning language with contemporary sensibilities regarding social justice. By implementing updates consistent with longstanding directives from both state human rights bodies (OHRC) and national agencies like the ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this action reinforces India’s ongoing efforts to address historical inequities faced by marginalized communities. The emphasis on educating officials signifies an acknowledgment of systemic change needing more then surface-level edits; it requires awareness at every level of governance.

Updating language acknowledges its deep impact on societal attitudes while moving towards honoring constitutional values like equality under Article 341 for Scheduled Castes. Successful implementation will rest on diligent record updates across numerous departments while fostering greater inclusion through educated dialog about these changes within institutions.

Read more: The Hindu