Odisha Hosts State-Level Conference to Enhance Welfare Initiatives for Marginalized Communities

Bhubaneswar: The ST & SC Development, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare Department of Odisha has commenced a two-day State-Level Conference for District Welfare Officers (DWOs) and Project Administrators of Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (PA ITDAs). The first day of the conference, held on July 11th, was dedicated to discussions centered around the District Welfare Officers.

The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Nityananda Gond,  Minister of School and Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Roopa Roshan Sahoo, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department; Indramani Tripathy, Director of ST; and other senior officers of the Department.

In his address, Nityananda Gond expressed his gratitude to all attendees and emphasized the importance of effectively implementing departmental schemes across Odisha to ensure inclusivity for all. He highlighted the need for smooth execution of these schemes and urged everyone to align with the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s vision of ‘Bikasita Odisha’ (Developed Odisha).

Gond also addressed the significance of hygiene in schools, calling for prioritizing cleanliness and the effective functioning of hostels, particularly those facing issues. He stressed the importance of students completing their homework regularly and maintaining good hygiene, emphasizing the collective responsibility towards their future. He encouraged unity, dedication, and a proactive approach, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing and solving challenges effectively.

Roopa Roshan Sahoo conducted a comprehensive review session with all 30 DWOs and senior officers of the Department. The agenda covered a wide range of topics, including orientation on Samikhya and scholarship programs, supply of amenities to hostels and school uniforms to students, staffing vacancies, operational readiness of completed hostel buildings, progress of smart learning centers, functionality of PVTG Boys Ashram Schools, maintenance and repair of hostels, ongoing monitoring of schools and hostels, updates on the Anwesha and PARICHITI programs, and the status of Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).

On Day 2, scheduled for July 12th, the focus will shift to the PA ITDAs, continuing the efforts to enhance the welfare and development initiatives for the marginalized communities in Odisha.