In a historic move, Bhubaneswar hosted the National Conference of Chairpersons and Members of Parliamentary and State Committees on Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Welfare.
This landmark event, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, marks the first time in 25 years that such a conference was held outside Delhi.
The two-day conference, organized at Lok Seva Bhavan’s Convention Hall, brought together key policymakers, ministers, and committee members from across India to deliberate on the upliftment of SC/ST communities. Speaker Om Birla emphasized that committee members consistently rise above party lines to advocate for the development of marginalized groups. He reiterated that the proposals emerging from this conference would be implemented to build an equitable society and a developed India.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed gratitude for Odisha being chosen as the host and highlighted the state’s growing prominence in national and international forums. He stated, “Today we are doing well, and tomorrow we will do even better. This conference will pave the way for a prosperous future for our SC/ST communities.”
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram spotlighted initiatives like PM Janman and Dharati Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana, which aim to directly benefit over 5 crore tribal citizens. He also praised the role of Eklavya Model Residential Schools in providing quality education to tribal children.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan noted the positive impact of the New Education Policy on SC/ST students, with enrollment rising from 46 to 66 lakh in recent years. He stressed that empowering marginalized groups is key to national progress.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Harivansh lauded Odisha as a model state, citing a fourfold increase in budget allocation for SC/ST welfare over the past decade. He emphasized that the committees must focus on social equality beyond just reservation.
Lok Sabha SC/ST Welfare Committee Chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste urged members of these communities to actively contribute to nation-building, not just benefit from schemes.
Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and Deputy Speaker Bhawani Shankar Bhoi also addressed the gathering, underscoring the role of legislators in policy formulation and grassroots implementation.
The conference concluded with the inauguration of an exhibition by Speaker Om Birla and a call to action for inclusive development. The event’s legacy dates back to 1976, with previous editions held in Delhi, making this Odisha gathering a milestone in decentralizing national discourse.
