Odisha Cabinet approves revised English spellings for 64 colonial-era place names

Key facts

• The Odisha state Cabinet approved revised English spellings for 64 places across 26 districts to restore them to their Odia phonetic forms.
• The initiative was undertaken to preserve and promote the linguistic heritage, cultural identity, and historical authenticity of Odisha.
• A high-level committee headed by Jnanpith Awardee Dr Pratibha Ray examined the proposals and recommended the revised spellings after gathering public feedback.
• The state government will notify the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to update official records in agencies including the Survey of India, Indian Railways, department of posts, and the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
• The revised spellings include Cuttack to Kataka, Balasore to Baleshwar, Angul to Anugola, Berhampur to Brahmapur, Deogarh to Debagada, Aul to Aali, Keonjhar to Kendujhar, and Jeypore to Jayapur.