Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasised the critical need for seamless coordination between the central and state governments to ensure welfare schemes effectively reach the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees of Parliament and State Legislatures on the Welfare of SCs and STs in Bhubaneswar, he urged every State Assembly to establish dedicated committees to address the specific needs of these communities.
Birla highlighted that while Parliament has active committees monitoring SC/ST welfare, the absence of similar mechanisms in some states hampers grassroots oversight. “These committees will ensure regular review of policies and schemes, addressing concerns in a time-bound manner,” he said, calling on state legislatures to lead in strengthening accountability frameworks.
The Speaker underscored that education and technology are pivotal for empowering SC/ST youth, enabling them to contribute to a self-reliant, Atmanirbhar Bharat. He stressed that committee recommendations should be viewed as constructive guidance, not criticism, fostering collaboration for enduring results. “When governments and committees work together, the outcomes are more effective,” he noted.
The conference culminated in the adoption of the “Bhubaneswar Agenda 2025,” a roadmap aimed at achieving an equitable and inclusive society by 2047, aligning with Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s vision. Shri Birla expressed confidence that this framework would guide Parliament and state legislatures in advancing social, educational, economic, and political development for SC/ST communities.
The event saw participation from prominent leaders, including Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Smt. Surama Padhy, and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on SC/ST Welfare Faggan Singh Kulaste. Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Odisha’s Minister of Health, Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, and Electronics & IT, delivered the welcome address, while Bhaskar Madhei, Chairperson of the Odisha Committee on SC/ST Welfare, proposed the vote of thanks.
With the “Bhubaneswar Agenda 2025” as a guiding framework, India is poised to march toward a Viksit Bharat, ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for every SC/ST citizen by 2047.
