Odisha bans use of ‘harijan' in official records: Govt tells depts to use ‘scheduled caste' or ‘anusuchita jati' instead; move follows OHRC directive
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The government suggested the authorities concerned that words like 'scheduled caste' in English and 'anusuchita jati' in Odia or other national languages should be used to "denote persons belonging to scheduled castes as notified under Article 341 of the Constitution", according to a letter issued on August 12 by the commissioner-cum-secretary of the ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Class Welfare Department.
Officials said the letter was sent to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, and commissioner-cum-secretaries.
"They have been instructed to ensure that the word 'harijan' does not appear in any official communications, records, transactions, caste certificates, publications, departmental names, or any other form of use," one of the officials said.
Authorities have been directed to educate their staff and update existing documents and records accordingly, an official said.
They have also been asked to submit a compliance report detailing the actions taken.
The state government's move follows guidelines issued by the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) prohibiting the use of the term 'harijan'. These guidelines will be strictly enforced across all government offices, the official added.
The term 'harijan' has long been discouraged: in 1982, the Centre instructed all states not to use it to refer to Dalits.
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Following fresh guidelines from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, a similar order was issued in 2013, directing states to avoid the word in caste certificates and official communications. The Odisha Assembly has also prohibited its use, officials noted.
(With inputs from agencies)
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