National SC/ST Welfare Conference Begins in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The two-day National Conference of Chairpersons and Members of Parliamentary and State/UT Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes began on Friday at the Convention Hall of Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the event as the chief guest.

In his address, Birla said the welfare committees for SCs and STs have always worked above party politics to ensure the upliftment of marginalised communities. He stressed that the progress achieved so far is largely due to the committees’ recommendations, reviews, and monitoring. The Speaker noted that proposals emerging from the Bhubaneswar conference would be implemented to build a more equal and just society, in line with the vision of a developed India.

Referring to the vision of B.R. Ambedkar, Birla said the Constitution was framed to secure justice for weaker sections, and for 78 years India has been moving ahead with those principles. He added that new ideas from the deliberations, along with best practices shared by different states, would strengthen equality and justice for SC and ST communities.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, addressing the gathering, said it was a matter of pride for Odisha to host the conference for the first time. “After 25 years, the event is being held outside Delhi, and Odisha has been chosen. This will open new paths for the future of SC and ST communities,” he said. Majhi highlighted that 40% of Odisha’s population belongs to Dalit and Tribal communities, and the state is working not only on their development but also on preserving tribal culture. He cited initiatives such as the Tribal Culture and Heritage Centre, the Tribal Language Institute, and mother-tongue education for tribal children.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said more than five crore tribals will directly benefit from schemes like PM Janman and Dhartiabaa Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. He also underlined the importance of Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Ashram Schools in improving education among tribal children.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan added that the New Education Policy (NEP) has special provisions for SC and ST students. He pointed out that the number of students from these communities has increased from 46 lakh to 66 lakh in recent years, reflecting social mobility.

On the occasion, Speaker Om Birla also inaugurated an exhibition at the venue.

The first such conference was held in New Delhi in 1976, followed by editions in 1979, 1983, 1987, and 2001. For the first time, it is being held outside the national capital.

The Bhubaneswar conference aims to foster dialogue, identify challenges, and find solutions for the welfare and integration of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes into the mainstream.