Bhubaneswar: A two-day National Conference of Chairpersons and Members of Parliamentary and State/Union Territory Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) began today at the Convention Hall of Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the event as the chief guest.
In his address, Birla stressed that SC-ST Welfare Committees have consistently worked beyond party lines to advance the interests of marginalized communities. He credited the committees’ proposals, reviews, and oversight with enabling significant progress for SC and ST communities. He expressed confidence that the discussions in Bhubaneswar, adapted to local contexts, would help in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Birla also invoked the guiding principles of the Constitution, shaped by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which he said have directed India’s progress for 78 years. “Through shared experiences and best practices from across states, we can build a more equitable and just society,” he added.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed the event as historic, noting that it is the first time in 25 years that the conference is being held outside Delhi, and the first time in Odisha. “We are doing well today, and tomorrow will be even better,” Majhi said, expressing optimism about the future of SC and ST communities.
Highlighting that nearly 40% of Odisha’s population belongs to SC and ST groups, Majhi outlined several state initiatives, including an Adivasi Culture and Heritage Bhawan, an Adivasi Language Institute, and measures to promote education in tribal languages. He said the conference would guide new policies and ensure that Dalits and Adivasis play a key role in building a prosperous Odisha and a developed India.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram highlighted flagship initiatives like PM Janman and Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana, which he said are directly benefiting five crore tribal people. He pointed to innovations in education through Eklavya Model Residential Schools and ashram schools.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the New Education Policy is ensuring greater access for SC and ST students. He noted that enrolment from these communities has risen from 46 lakh to 66 lakh in recent years, underscoring education as a driver of empowerment.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Harivansh described Odisha as a model for other states, noting that the SC-ST welfare budget has quadrupled in the last decade, strengthening development in tribal-dominated areas and helping curb Naxalism.
Lok Sabha’s SC-ST Welfare Committee Chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste called upon the communities not only to benefit from welfare schemes but also to actively contribute to India’s growth and global prestige.
Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, in her welcome address, emphasized the legislature’s responsibility in ensuring welfare schemes reach the last person in society’s margins. Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi proposed a vote of thanks.
An exhibition showcasing initiatives for SC and ST communities was also inaugurated by the Lok Sabha Speaker at the venue.
The first such conference was held in New Delhi in 1976, with subsequent editions in 1979, 1983, 1987, and 2001. After nearly 25 years, the latest edition has now been brought to Odisha.
The objective of the conference is to foster dialogue, review the progress of SC and ST communities as per constitutional provisions, identify challenges to their mainstreaming, and generate solutions for building an equitable, inclusive, and just India.
