Haryana bans use of ‘Harijan’ and ‘Girijan’ in official communications
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 13, 2026:The Haryana Government has directed all departments and authorities to discontinue the use of the terms ‘Harijan’ and ‘Girijan’ in all official records and correspondence, reiterating that these expressions are not recognised under the Constitution of India.
According to an official communication issued by the Chief Secretary’s Office, the instructions apply to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Boards and Corporations, Public Sector Undertakings, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil), and Registrars of Universities across the state.
The letter states that the Constitution of India does not use these terms to denote Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The State Government has also referred to existing instructions issued by the Government of India, which clearly mandate the discontinuation of these expressions in official dealings.
During a review of the matter, the State Government observed that certain departments were not strictly complying with the Central Government’s guidelines. In view of this, all departments and authorities have been directed to ensure strict adherence to the instructions and to immediately stop using the terms ‘Harijan’ and ‘Girijan’ in all official communications.