Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: The ST & SC Development, Minority & Backwards Classes Welfare Department of the Odisha government has issued a directive prohibiting the use of the term ‘Harijan’ in all official communications, documents, and correspondences.

The Department in an official notification has directed all departments, public institutions, and educational establishments not to use the term 'Harijan' in any official communications or documents.

The Department has given instructions to use only the constitutional term 'Scheduled Caste' in English and its appropriate translation in Odia as per the Constitution.

The Odisha government has called for strict compliance with the directive and warned that any violation may be viewed seriously.

Necessary steps may be taken to sensitize all officers and staff in this regard and ensure the exiting documents or records are aligned instructions wherever feasible, it further stated.

Educational institutions have also been asked to sensitise staff and students about the importance of respectful terminology in academic and administrative contexts.

This move is seen as part of a broader effort to promote social equity and uphold the constitutional values of justice and dignity for all citizens.

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