Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to restore the original Odia names of various places across the state, aiming to correct the distorted English spellings that have been in use.
Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr Arabinda Padhee has written to District Collectors, asking them to propose name changes for districts, sub-divisions, blocks, and tehsils with incorrect English spellings. The changes are intended to align official English names with authentic Odia pronunciations and preserve the state’s linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage.
According to the letter issued by Padhee, the Odisha government aims to restore the original Odia names of places like districts, sub-divisions, blocks, and tehsils, where the current English names are distorted versions of the authentic Odia names.
This distortion misrepresents the state’s linguistic and cultural identity and undermines Odia heritage. For example, ‘Aali’ tehsil is currently spelled as ‘AUL’ in English, a mistake from British-era pronunciation issues, and needs correction, as noted by Revenue Secretary Dr Padhee.
“In this context, a detailed report was sought from all District Collectors vide this department letter No. 43822/R&DM, dated 20.11.2025. However, so far, information has been received from only 13 districts. The received reports were shared with MLAs, MPs, and the general public, inviting their suggestions. Accordingly, new proposals have been received. Therefore, you are requested to re-examine the report previously submitted by your district and, if there are any new proposals, send an updated report (hard copy and soft copy) to this department within seven days. A consolidated report will be prepared and presented to the government” read the letter issued by the Padhee.
