Odisha proposes changes to English spelling of six districts

The Odisha government has suggested changes in the English spellings of 25 important places, including six district names, to ensure correct pronunciation in line with the original Odia names.

Names of districts likely to have different English spellings include Deogarh, Khordha, Balasore, Kendrapara, Keonjhar and Nayagarh. It has been suggested that these are Debagarh, Khoradha, Baleshwar, Kendrapada, Kendujhar and Nayagada.

In a notification issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management department, the Odisha government has suggested changes in the names of certain places to “reinstate the original Odia names and ensure that the linguistic, historical and cultural heritage of the State is accurately reflected in official records”.

Citizens were asked to submit their objections or suggestions in writing, along with supporting documents, within 15 days.

The names of four blocks in the Khordha region have been adjusted to the new English spelling. These are Khurda, Bolagarh, Banpur and Jatni.