The Odisha government has directed all government institutions, educational institutions, and departments in the state to stop using the term 'Harijan' in any official communication, records, or documents. Instead, the constitutional term Scheduled Caste (or its equivalent in English, Odia, or other recognized national languages) should be used to refer to communities listed under Article 341 of the Constitution of India.
Key Directives of the Government
- Replacement of 'Harijan': Use of 'Harijan' is prohibited in official communications, records, transactions, caste certificates, publications, and departmental names.
- Use of 'Scheduled Caste': Authorities must use Scheduled Caste in English or Anusuchita Jati in Odia to denote persons belonging to Scheduled Castes.
- Compliance and Awareness: Departments must sensitize employees about this change and update existing documents and records accordingly.
This move follows guidelines issued by the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and aligns with previous directives from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.