Odisha Hosts National SC-ST Welfare Conference After 25 Years

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, marking the first time in 25 years the conference is being held outside Delhi, and the first-ever in Odisha.

In his inaugural address, Birla underlined the role of SC-ST Welfare Committees in advancing the interests of marginalized communities, noting that their bipartisan work in oversight, reviews, and recommendations has contributed significantly to progress. He said he was confident that the deliberations in Bhubaneswar, shaped by local contexts, would aid in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Invoking the guiding principles of the Constitution framed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Birla emphasized the need for states to exchange best practices to build a just and equitable society.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the event as “historic” and a matter of pride for Odisha. He highlighted that nearly 40% of the state’s population belongs to SC and ST communities and outlined initiatives such as establishing an Adivasi Culture and Heritage Bhawan, an Adivasi Language Institute, and measures to promote education in tribal languages. “We are doing well today, and tomorrow will be even better,” Majhi said, stressing the importance of ensuring that Dalits and Adivasis remain at the center of Odisha’s growth story.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram spoke about flagship initiatives like PM Janman and Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana, benefiting around five crore tribal people. He also pointed to innovations in education through Eklavya Model Residential Schools and ashram schools.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted how the New Education Policy has expanded opportunities for SC and ST students, with enrolments rising from 46 lakh to 66 lakh in recent years. He emphasized that education would remain a powerful driver of empowerment for marginalized groups.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Harivansh lauded Odisha as a model for SC-ST development, noting that the state’s welfare budget has quadrupled in the last decade, strengthening growth in tribal regions and helping curb Naxalism.

Lok Sabha SC-ST Welfare Committee Chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste called upon the communities to not only benefit from schemes but also contribute actively to India’s growth and global standing.

Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, in her welcome address, underlined the legislature’s responsibility in ensuring welfare measures reach the last mile. Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi delivered the vote of thanks.

An exhibition showcasing government initiatives for SC and ST welfare was also inaugurated by Om Birla at the venue.

The first such conference was held in New Delhi in 1976, followed by editions in 1979, 1983, 1987, and 2001. After a gap of nearly 25 years, this year’s edition has brought the dialogue to Odisha. The conference aims to review the progress of SC and ST communities as per constitutional provisions, identify challenges to their mainstreaming, and generate solutions for an equitable, inclusive, and just India.