To uphold constitutional terminology and promote social justice, the Odisha Government has issued a directive banning the use of the term ‘Harijan’ in all official records, communications, caste certificates, and publications.
The term ‘Scheduled Caste’ will now be used exclusively, aligning with the constitutional framework under Article 341 of the Indian Constitution. The directive, issued by B. Parameswaran, Secretary of the State Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Department, was sent to all departmental secretaries and district collectors on Tuesday.
The order mandates strict compliance across all government departments, institutions, autonomous bodies, and offices. Additionally, collectors in six districts—Nayagarh, Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, and Bhadrak—have been instructed to ensure that the term ‘Harijan’ is removed from school names and other official records, with action taken reports to be submitted promptly.
This decision is rooted in earlier directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (February 10, 1982), the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (November 22, 2012, and August 16, 1990), the State Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Department (January 10, 2013), and the Odisha Human Rights Commission (January 31, 2025).
These orders collectively emphasise the use of ‘Scheduled Caste’ (or its Odia equivalent, ‘Anusuchita Jati’) to ensure dignity and constitutional accuracy. The state government has also called for awareness campaigns among officials to ensure adherence to this directive.
The move has been lauded as a progressive step towards eliminating outdated and potentially derogatory terminology, reinforcing respect for marginalised communities.
