No more Sheru, Shaitan or Kalu in schools? Rajasthan govt to change ‘inappropriate’ names of children

Rajasthan has launched ‘Saarthak Naam Abhiyan’ encouraging students to adopt meaningful names, replacing ones seen as negative or unclear, with parental consent at the core of the voluntary initiative.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 15 April 2026, 2:30 PM IST

Rajasthan govt to change 'inappropriate' names of students (Img: Pexels)

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has introduced an innovative initiative aimed at reshaping how school children are identified. Under the “Saarthak Naam Abhiyan” (Meaningful Names Campaign), authorities are encouraging the adoption of names that carry positive meanings and cultural significance.

The campaign stems from a belief that names play a crucial role in shaping a child’s self-esteem, personality, and social identity.

Moving Away from ‘Negative’ or ‘Unclear’ Names

As part of the drive, commonly used names such as Sheru, Shaitan, Kalu, and Tinku are being flagged as examples of names that may carry unclear or negative connotations. Officials believe such names could inadvertently impact a child’s confidence or how they are perceived in society.

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Instead, the focus is on promoting names with strong meanings rooted in tradition, values, and positivity.

List of 3,000 Suggested Names Prepared

To support families, the state’s education department has compiled a list of nearly 3,000 alternative names. This includes 1,409 names for boys and 1,541 for girls, each accompanied by its meaning.

Suggested names include Abheer, Agnibha, Balmukund, and Badrinath for boys, and Aradhya, Annapurna, and Vaishnavi for girls. The idea is to offer a wide range of culturally rich and meaningful options rather than impose specific choices.

Voluntary Process with Parental Consent

The government has clarified that the initiative is entirely voluntary. Schools will introduce the idea during parent-teacher meetings, allowing families to consider whether they wish to opt for a name change.

Any modification will require written consent from parents, ensuring that the decision remains within the family’s control.

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Coverage Across Classes and Records

The campaign will initially cover students from Classes 1 to 9 across government schools. However, provisions have also been made to update records for older students who may wish to adopt new names under the scheme.

By linking identity with meaning, the Rajasthan government aims to foster a more positive and confident environment for students, while also reinforcing cultural awareness through names.