The true prosperity of a nation is not measured by numbers or infrastructure alone but by the dignity and opportunities provided to its most marginalised communities, said Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Conference of Chairpersons of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Welfare Committees, held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Hall in Bhubaneswar on August 30, 2025.
The event, attended by distinguished dignitaries, included Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on SC/ST Welfare Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and Odisha’s Parliamentary Affairs, Health & Family Welfare, and Electronics & IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling. Representatives from Parliament, state legislatures, and Union Territories participated, focusing on the theme “Role of Parliamentary and Legislative Committees in the Welfare, Development, and Empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.”
In his address, Governor Kambhampati emphasised that SC and ST communities are not only integral to India’s social fabric but also custodians of its history, culture, and heritage. “Their welfare is not just a policy matter but a measure of our progress as a democracy rooted in equality, dignity, and fraternity,” he said. He highlighted the critical role of parliamentary and state legislative committees in translating constitutional safeguards into meaningful action, ensuring accountability and grassroots-level development.
The Governor praised the Odisha government’s efforts in advancing SC/ST welfare, noting that nearly two-fifths of the state’s population comprises these communities, including 64 tribal groups and 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). He cited the inspiring journey of President Droupadi Murmu and the success of Champa Rasapeda, the first student from the Didayi PVTG in Malkangiri district to excel in the NEET exam, as examples of the transformative power of education and opportunity.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged participants to work with renewed vigour for societal welfare, emphasising the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in shaping a roadmap for inclusive development.
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Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh stressed the importance of implementing policies effectively at the grassroots level and leveraging technology and good governance to deliver services to marginalised communities.
Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Chairperson of the Parliamentary SC/ST Welfare Committee, expressed hope that the conference would serve as a guiding framework for future initiatives, calling for cooperation.
Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for choosing Odisha as the host and appreciated delegates for engaging with the state’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted the importance of SC/ST development in the “Amrit Kaal” and outlined Odisha’s vision for 2036 under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s leadership. She emphasised schemes like Lakhpati Didi and Subhadra as key drivers of success.
Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling reiterated the state’s commitment to utilising 100% of the budget allocated for SC/ST welfare, focusing on health, education, and reducing dropout rates to uplift marginalised communities.
The conference reaffirmed the collective resolve to build an India that upholds justice, respects diversity, and ensures dignity and empowerment for all.
