Key Facts
The Odisha state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Friday approved revised English spellings for 64 places across 26 districts. The changes restore original Odia phonetic forms, replacing colonial-era distortions. Chief Secretary Anu Garg announced the decision, stating that Cuttack will now be spelled as 'Kataka', Balasore as 'Baleshwar', Angul as 'Anugola', Berhampur as 'Brahmapur', Deogarh as 'Debagada', Aul as 'Aali', Keonjhar as 'Kendujhar', and Jeypore as 'Jayapur'.
Background and Process
The initiative stems from concerns raised by Chief Minister Majhi over the distorted English spellings of Odisha's place names, which were introduced by British administrators during the colonial period. These transliterations, based on English phonetics, were later embedded in official records, maps, railway documents, postal records, and government communications. To address this, the state government asked all district collectors to submit detailed reports identifying such places. After receiving inputs from collectors, public representatives, and citizens, a high-level committee was formed under eminent Odia litterateur and Jnanpith Awardee Dr Pratibha Ray. The committee examined proposals, placed recommendations in the public domain for one month to gather feedback, and finalized the revised spellings.
Impact and Implementation
Chief Secretary Garg emphasized that the decision aims to preserve and promote Odisha's linguistic heritage, cultural identity, and historical authenticity. The move aligns with the concept of 'Odia Asmita' (Odisha pride), a key plank for the BJP during the 2024 general and assembly elections. The cabinet decision also coincides with the second anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha. Following the approval, the state government will issue a Gazette notification and intimate the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting central agencies such as the Survey of India, Indian Railways, Department of Posts, and the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India to update their official records. Additionally, steps will be taken to change names on official signages in the affected places.
What Readers Should Know
- The restoration applies to 64 places across 26 districts in Odisha.
- Examples include Kataka (formerly Cuttack), Baleshwar (Balasore), Anugola (Angul), Brahmapur (Berhampur), Debagada (Deogarh), Aali (Aul), Kendujhar (Keonjhar), and Jayapur (Jeypore).
- The committee's recommendations were made public for one month to gather feedback before finalization.
- Central agencies will be requested to update their records to reflect the new spellings.
FAQ
Why did Odisha restore original spellings of place names?
To preserve linguistic heritage and cultural identity, as colonial-era spellings distorted Odia phonetics.
Which places in Odisha got their original spellings restored?
64 places including Cuttack (now Kataka), Balasore (Baleshwar), Angul (Anugola), Berhampur (Brahmapur), Deogarh (Debagada), Aul (Aali), Keonjhar (Kendujhar), and Jeypore (Jayapur).
Who headed the committee for recommending new spellings?
Eminent Odia litterateur and Jnanpith Awardee Dr Pratibha Ray.
What happens after the cabinet approval?
The state will notify the Ministry of Home Affairs and request central agencies like Survey of India, Indian Railways, and Department of Posts to update records.