Fireman to firefighter: Odisha goes for gender-neutral term in fire service | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt has adopted gender-neutral terminology by changing the word ‘fireman’ to ‘firefighter’, as per an official notification obtained by TOI. Govt officials claimed this is a first in the country.
Following recommendations from the Standing Fire Advisory Committee (SFAC) under the ministry of home affairs, states were advised to implement gender-neutral designations in their fire service departments. “Odisha pioneers in adopting it first in the country. This is a welcome move by the govt towards gender equality,” said director general (fire service) Sudhanshu Sarangi, who is a member of the SFAC.
Sarangi explained that this change aligns with global standards for gender-neutral terminology in fire departments. “Such gender-neutral wording is used in foreign countries,” Sarangi said. The Odisha fire and emergency service recently submitted a proposal to the state govt to modify the titles of various positions, including ‘fireman’, ‘fireman driver’, ‘helper fireman’ and ‘leading fireman’. The state home department issued a notification on Monday, permitting changes to the Odisha Fire Service (methods of recruitment and conditions of service of Group C officer) Amendment Rules, 2025.
The notification specifies the new designations — ‘firefighter’ replaces ‘fireman’; ‘firefighting driver’ supersedes ‘fireman driver’; ‘helper firefighter’ substitutes ‘helper fireman’ and ‘leading firefighter’ replaces ‘leading fireman’.
Govt officials stated that removing male pronouns from state laws and implementing gender-neutral job titles will help eliminate traditionally male-associated perceptions in the department. In Nov last year, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi had revealed plans to recruit women firefighters, following deputy chief minister Pravati Parida’s request during an event.
Sources said the fire service department suggested a 15% women’s reservation in recruitment in July 2018, but this proposal remained unrealised. “Though women are being hired in Odisha Police, the govt has never considered them during recruitment in fire service as firefighting is a physically challenging job, involving high risk. At present, Odisha fire service has around 5,700 personnel, including around 500 women, who work in only operations and administrative wings,” a fire service officer said.
According to the govt, various initiatives are being taken to strengthen the fire service department. The Centre recently allocated Rs 201.10 crore for the department’s expansion and modernisation, while the state govt committed Rs 394 crore for upgrading the service.
Following recommendations from the Standing Fire Advisory Committee (SFAC) under the ministry of home affairs, states were advised to implement gender-neutral designations in their fire service departments. “Odisha pioneers in adopting it first in the country. This is a welcome move by the govt towards gender equality,” said director general (fire service) Sudhanshu Sarangi, who is a member of the SFAC.
Sarangi explained that this change aligns with global standards for gender-neutral terminology in fire departments. “Such gender-neutral wording is used in foreign countries,” Sarangi said. The Odisha fire and emergency service recently submitted a proposal to the state govt to modify the titles of various positions, including ‘fireman’, ‘fireman driver’, ‘helper fireman’ and ‘leading fireman’. The state home department issued a notification on Monday, permitting changes to the Odisha Fire Service (methods of recruitment and conditions of service of Group C officer) Amendment Rules, 2025.
The notification specifies the new designations — ‘firefighter’ replaces ‘fireman’; ‘firefighting driver’ supersedes ‘fireman driver’; ‘helper firefighter’ substitutes ‘helper fireman’ and ‘leading firefighter’ replaces ‘leading fireman’.
Govt officials stated that removing male pronouns from state laws and implementing gender-neutral job titles will help eliminate traditionally male-associated perceptions in the department. In Nov last year, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi had revealed plans to recruit women firefighters, following deputy chief minister Pravati Parida’s request during an event.
Sources said the fire service department suggested a 15% women’s reservation in recruitment in July 2018, but this proposal remained unrealised. “Though women are being hired in Odisha Police, the govt has never considered them during recruitment in fire service as firefighting is a physically challenging job, involving high risk. At present, Odisha fire service has around 5,700 personnel, including around 500 women, who work in only operations and administrative wings,” a fire service officer said.
According to the govt, various initiatives are being taken to strengthen the fire service department. The Centre recently allocated Rs 201.10 crore for the department’s expansion and modernisation, while the state govt committed Rs 394 crore for upgrading the service.
