Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the National Conference of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Committees of Parliament and State/Union Territories Legislatures today in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The two-day conference, to be held on August 29th and 30th, brings together more than 120 delegates from across the country, including Chairpersons and Members of SC/ST Welfare Committees from Parliament and 19 States. The platform serves as a vital space for dialogue, collaboration, and policy refinement aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Union Tribal Minister Jual Oram with other delegates were present at the event.
In his inaugural and closing addresses, Shri Birla emphasized the need to make the functioning of these committees more robust and effective. He called for enhanced coordination between central and state-level bodies and stressed the importance of inclusive development through legislative oversight.
This conference marks a significant continuation of a legacy that began in 1976 with the first such gathering in New Delhi. Subsequent conferences were held in 1979, 1983, 1987, and 2001, each contributing to the evolution of welfare strategies for Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
The Bhubaneswar conference is expected to yield actionable recommendations and foster a renewed commitment to social justice and equity.
