Odisha proposes changes to English spelling of six districts

The Odisha government has proposed changes to the English spellings of 25 prominent places, including six district names, to ensure accurate pronunciation in line with their original Odia names.

Names of districts which are likely to have different English spelling include Deogarh, Khordha, Balasore, Kendrapara, Keonjhar and Nayagarh. These have been proposed to be Debagarh, Khoradha, Baleshwar, Kendrapada, Kendujhar and Nayagada.

In a notification issued by Revenue and Disaster Management department, Odisha government proposed to effect changes in the names of certain places with a view to “restoring their original Odia names and ensuring correct reflection of the State’s linguistic, historical, and cultural heritage in official records.”

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

In Khordha district, names of four blocks are set to have new English spelling. They are Khurda, Bolagarh, Banpur and Jatni.