Bhubaneswar: A one-day regional review conference for five states – Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala – was held on Monday in Bhubaneswar. Organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, the conference aimed to review the implementation of social justice and empowerment schemes in these states.
Secretary of MoSJE, Amit Yadav, inaugurated the seminar, expressing gratitude to the Odisha government for hosting the event. He highlighted the importance of structured dialogue between ministry officials and state authorities for the effective execution of social justice schemes. Yadav also underscored the diverse responsibilities of MoSJE, including the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Denotified and Nomadic Tribes, transgenders, senior citizens, sanitation workers, and persons affected by drug abuse.
Yadav spoke about three core pillars of empowerment—education, social inclusion, and economic support—formed the crux of the discussions. He highlighted the availability of financial assistance under schemes such as SC and OBC scholarships, economic grants, and loans for marginalized communities. The implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (drug demand reduction program) was also reviewed, stressing collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
The Secretary urged upon the issue of fund utilization and state governments to ensure timely submission of proposals for various schemes, particularly under the PM Ajay initiative, to avoid fund lapses. He also stressed the need for better intra-state coordination between departments such as Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Education to streamline welfare initiatives.
Highlighting Odisha’s world-class hockey infrastructure, he lauded the state’s efforts in sports promotion. He also acknowledged Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions, which contribute significantly to cultural and economic development. He urged
collective commitment from all stakeholders to enhance coordination and ensure the effective implementation of social justice and empowerment initiatives, aligning with the national vision of inclusive growth and welfare for marginalized communities.
Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasized the need for collective commitment to enhance coordination and ensure the effective implementation of social justice and empowerment initiatives. He stressed the importance of legal safeguards, such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, in ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for Scheduled Caste communities.
The Chief Secretary said that the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 requires an unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly SEBCs OBCs), and PwDs (Divyangas). Effective implementation of schemes at all levels will ensure their meaningful impact, bringing real change in the lives of those who need it the most.
The Principal Secretary, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra moderated the session.
The conference also featured discussions on various schemes, including Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes, Pradhan Mantri-Young Achievers Scholarship Award Schemes, and National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem. The meeting reviewed the role of finance corporations in promoting economic empowerment and discussed awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives.
The conference brought together delegates from the five participating states, senior officers from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and representatives from organizations such as Piramal Foundation and Bharat Innovation Global. The event provided a platform for dialogue, cross-learning, and the exchange of best practices with an aim to address challenges, enhance welfare schemes, and provide actionable insights for future policy improvements.
