Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of the Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of Parliament and State Legislatures today in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Over 120 delegates from across the country are participating in the two-day Conference (29–30 August), which provides a common platform to exchange best practices, share experiences, and chart actionable strategies for more effective policies and implementation, safeguarding the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Addressing the National Conference, Shri Om Birla expressed concern over the declining standards of debate, dialogue, language, and decorum in State Legislatures and Parliament. Shri Birla emphasized that in such circumstances, the role of Legislative Committees assumes even greater significance. He noted that a unique strength of these Committees lies in their ability to function beyond partisan politics, fostering a shared approach and collective vision. “Parliamentary committees promote equality, transparency, and innovation by generating valuable policy insights and feedback on governance”, he stressed.

Highlighting the importance of the two-day Conference, Shri Birla called upon Committees to work towards empowering marginalized communities by providing them with social, economic, and administrative strength. He urged every State Committee to study and review the functioning of others, both at the Centre and across States, learn from best practices, adopt innovative approaches, and contribute towards ensuring social advancement and holistic national development.

Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, described the Conference as both a review of progress and a roadmap for the future. He underscored the need for evidence-based scrutiny, enhanced field visits, transparent monitoring of recommendations, and regular public reporting to ensure accountability. He emphasized that these measures are vital to transforming committee advice into tangible and sustainable outcomes for the communities they serve.

Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that education is the strongest instrument of social justice and empowerment. “Today, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is working with full commitment towards the welfare of the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized. Along with fulfilling the aspirations of the deprived, this vision is dedicated to building a ‘Developed India’ by 2047”, asserted Shri Pradhan.

 

He said, committees on the Welfare of SCs and STs are vital partners in ensuring that every scheme reaches every deserving learner. “In line with NEP 2020, we are prioritizing mother-tongue learning, foundational literacy, and flexible pathways into higher education and employability”, he added.

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empower tribal communities. He said,
“Empowering our tribal sisters and brothers with dignity, opportunity, and voice is central to our national agenda. Under the PM PVTG Development Mission, we will intensify delivery with clear timelines, community participation, and transparent tracking of outcomes—covering education, health, nutrition, connectivity, and sustainable incomes.”

Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi expressed pride in hosting the National Conference. He said, Odisha is honoured to host this conference, which brings Parliament and State Committees together and strengthens accountability and last-mile delivery for SC/ST welfare. “Odisha’s experience, especially in tribal districts, shows that rigorous oversight and local delivery together improve results. We stand ready to share and scale such best practices with other States and UTs”, he highlighted.

Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Chairman of the SC/ST Welfare Committee, highlighted the Conference’s significance in
bringing Parliament and various State/UT Committees onto one platform, which strengthens coordination and on-ground delivery.

The proceedings opened with a welcome address by Smt. Surama Padhy, Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Deputy Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly, who conveyed gratitude to the Hon’ble Speaker, dignitaries, participating members, and the Government of Odisha for their support and participation.

The Conference will deliberate on strengthening constitutional safeguards, enhancing socio-economic development and sharing best practices to empower Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It will also highlight the pivotal role of Parliamentary and State Legislature Committees in ensuring accountability in implementation of welfare policies, with the vision of realizing an inclusive Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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