TV
The Odisha government has prohibited the use of the term ‘harijan’ in all public institutions, educational establishments, and government communications, directing that only the constitutional term ‘Scheduled Caste’ be used henceforth.
The move follows a recent order of the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and earlier advisories from the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Official Letter Sent to All Departments
In a letter issued on August 12 by the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Commissioner-cum-Secretaries have been instructed to ensure the immediate removal of the term from official records, correspondence, caste certificates, publications and departmental names.
The directive mandates strict adherence across government offices, autonomous bodies, and subordinate units.
Compliance Linked to OHRC Order
The letter cites OHRC’s January 31 order in Case No. 233 of 2025, which reiterated that the term ‘Harijan’, used historically to refer to members of the Scheduled Castes, should not appear in any government transactions or public documents.
The order aligns with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’s 2012 advisory and the state’s own 2013 circular, both of which had discouraged the usage on the grounds that it is outdated and considered derogatory by many.
Mandate for Language Usage
Departments have been instructed to replace ‘Harijan’ with ‘Scheduled Caste’ in English and its appropriate translation in Odia or other national languages, in accordance with Article 341 of the Constitution. Any future references in legal, administrative, or educational contexts must adhere strictly to this terminology.
The state has also directed that officers and staff be sensitised to the change, and wherever feasible, existing records and documents should be updated to reflect the correct terminology. Departments must submit compliance reports on the measures taken.
