Odisha government bans use of ‘Harijan’ word in official communication

Why in News ?

• The Odisha government has directed all departments and public institutions in the state to completely stop using the word ‘Harijan’ in official communications, records, documents, caste certificates and publications.

Key Points:

• The move is aimed at ensuring respect for Scheduled Castes (SC) in line with the Human Rights Commission and constitutional rights.
• The government clarified that only the constitutional term ‘SC’ will be used for official purposes.

Area Applicable

• All government departments and their subordinate offices.
• Caste certificates and other official documents.
• Public publications and departmental nomenclature.

Details of the instructions

• Use of the word ‘Harijan’ prohibited in all documents and communications.
• Use of the word ‘SC’ in English mandatory.
• Use of its proper translation in Odia and other local languages recognized under Article 341 of the Indian Constitution.
• Ensuring compliance of the instructions through sensitization and awareness programs to all departments and employees.
• Revising existing documents and records as per the new guidelines.

 History of Harijan

• The word 'Harijan' is derived from two words; 'Hari' meaning 'God' or 'Ishwar' and 'Jan' meaning 'people'. Thus, 'Harijan' literally means 'people of God' or 'children of God'.
• Mahatma Gandhi popularised this term in the 1930s. He used this term to eliminate the derogatory use of the word 'untouchable'. 
• Gandhi believed that the term "Harijan" would give respect and dignity to people who were facing discrimination in society.
• Gandhi founded the "Harijan Sevak Sangh" for the upliftment of these communities. He also started a weekly newspaper called "Harijan" in which he expressed his views on social and economic issues.
• For him, eradicating untouchability was as important as achieving political independence.
• Over time the term came to be seen as derogatory and an honour from an outside perspective.