Bhubaneswar: In a move to align official records with native pronunciation, the Odisha government has proposed changes to the English spelling of several place names across the state.
The initiative aims to restore original Odia phonetics in administrative nomenclature.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department issued a notification on Wednesday, proposing revised spellings for 58 locations across 23 districts, including 13 districts or district headquarters towns. The proposal follows a detailed review by a committee headed by noted litterateur Pratibha Ray, which examined suggestions from the public and stakeholders.
The state had earlier invited inputs from citizens and public representatives. It has now sought objections and suggestions within 30 days. Responses can be submitted via post or email to the department.
Officials said the changes are intended to ensure accurate pronunciation and reflect linguistic authenticity.
Proposed Changes
| S.No | Existing Name | Proposed Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angul | Anugola |
| 2 | Pallahara | Palalahada |
| 3 | Bolangir | Balangir |
| 4 | Bangamunda | Bangomunda |
| 5 | Balasore | Baleshwar |
| 6 | Nilgir | Nilagiri |
| 7 | Bargarh | Baragada |
| 8 | Rajborasambar | Rajbodasambar |
| 9 | Bonth | Banta |
| 10 | Cuttack | Katak |
| 11 | Athagarh | Athagada |
| 12 | Salipur | Salepur |
| 13 | Baramba | Badamba |
| 14 | Deogarh | Debagada |
| 15 | Reamal | Riamal |
| 16 | Berhampur | Brahmapur |
| 17 | Hinjilicut | Hinjilikatu |
| 18 | Aska | Asika |
| 19 | Suruda | Sorada |
| 20 | Dasarathpur | Dasharathpur |
| 21 | Dharmasala | Dharmashala |
| 22 | Belpahar | Belpahad |
| 23 | Dharamgarh | Dharmagada |
| 24 | Junagarh | Junagad |
| 25 | Jaipatna | Jayapatna |
| 26 | Lanjigarh | Lanjigada |
| 27 | Bhawanipatna | Bhabanipatana |
| 28 | Khondmal | Kandhamal |
| 29 | Kendrapara | Kendrapada |
| 30 | Aul | Aali |
| 31 | Mahakalapara | Mahakalapada |
| 32 | Keonjhar | Kendujhar |
| 33 | Barbil | Badabil |
| 34 | Keonjhargarh | Kendujhargada |
| 35 | Khurda | Khodha |
| 36 | Balagarh | Bolagada |
| 37 | Banpur | Banapur |
| 38 | Jatni | Jatani |
| 39 | Jeypore | Jayapur |
| 40 | Podia | Padia |
| 41 | Betnoti | Betanati |
| 42 | Samakhunta | Shamakhunta |
| 43 | Moroda | Morada |
| 44 | Rasgovindpur | Rasagobindapur |
| 45 | Panchpir | Pachapidha |
| 46 | Nayagarh | Nayagad |
| 47 | Daspalla | Dashapalla |
| 48 | Khariar | Khadial |
| 49 | Rairakhol | Redhakhol |
| 50 | Sonepur | Sonpur |
| 51 | Binka | Binika |
| 52 | Sundargarh | Sundaragada |
| 53 | Bonaigarh | Bonaigada |
| 54 | Koira | Koida |
| 55 | Lephripara | Lephripada |
| 56 | Subdega | Sabdega |
| 57 | Bargaon | Badagan |
| 58 | Lahunipara | Lahunipada |