Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged lawmakers across India to transcend party affiliations when addressing matters of national importance, while voicing deep concern over the dwindling number of legislative sittings and the rising instances of disruptive conduct in parliamentary bodies.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Birla highlighted the erosion of constructive dialogue in legislatures as a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.
The conference, themed “Role of Parliamentary and Legislature Committees in Welfare, Development and Empowerment of SCs and STs,” marks a historic milestone as the first such event held outside Delhi. It brings together 140 delegates, including chairpersons and members of relevant committees from Parliament and state legislatures, to deliberate on enhancing welfare measures for marginalised communities.
Birla invoked the enduring vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, emphasising that dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for SCs, STs, and other underprivileged sections remain central to India’s democratic ethos. “Babasaheb Ambedkar’s dream of an inclusive India has materialised over the decades, with members from these communities ascending to the nation’s highest offices, showcasing the strength of our democracy,” he stated.
The Speaker underscored the need for efficient utilisation of government funds and stringent monitoring to ensure welfare schemes benefit the intended recipients. He noted the annual allocation of substantial resources for social upliftment and called for timely execution and oversight to promote self-reliance and equitable growth. “True empowerment extends beyond financial support; it must instil dignity and foster opportunities for sustainable development,” Birla added.
Praising parliamentary committees as the “backbone” of democracy, Birla explained that these bodies operate in a non-partisan manner, scrutinising budgets, evaluating schemes, and providing consensus-driven recommendations free from political biases. “Unlike debates in the House, committees delve into issues with depth and objectivity, ensuring accountability and guiding policy corrections,” he said.
Birla linked these efforts to India’s broader goal of achieving a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, asserting that this vision can only be realised through unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and dignity for all. He expressed optimism that the conference would yield actionable resolutions and innovative strategies to bolster social justice initiatives.
The event, which traces its origins to the first conference in 1976, has been convened sporadically in subsequent years (1979, 1983, 1987, and 2001). This edition features addresses from prominent figures, including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of SC and ST, Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste.
Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy delivered the welcome address, while Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi proposed the vote of thanks. The conference is set to conclude on August 30, 2025, with a valedictory address by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati.
This gathering underscores India’s ongoing commitment to constitutional safeguards and inclusive governance, aligning with reforms in education, public sector undertakings, and financial institutions aimed at expanding opportunities for SCs and STs.
