ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: Participating in the National Conference of Chairpersons and Members of Parliamentary and State/UT Committees on the Welfare of SCs and STs here, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that this conference is being held outside Delhi for the first time in 25 years, and that too in Odisha, which is a matter of pride.
He expressed gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for this. He noted that several national and international conferences have been held in Odisha, enhancing the state’s significance at the national level. The Chief Minister stated that the present condition of STs & SCs has improved significantly. “Our present is good, tomorrow will definitely be much better,” said Majhi, expressing confidence that this conference will pave the way for a prosperous future for these communities. He recalled that during Independence, the country faced many social and political challenges, particularly concerning Dalits and tribals.
However, following Babasaheb Ambedkar’s principles, significant progress has been achieved. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts have intensified to bring these communities fully into the mainstream and enable their meaningful contribution to building a developed India. Programmes such as PM Janman and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan play a critical role in achieving these objectives.
Stating that SCs & STs comprise 40 per cent of Odisha’s population, the CM highlighted various developmental schemes for their welfare. He said that along with development, the Odisha government is also focusing on preserving tribal culture through initiatives like Tribal Culture and Heritage Building and the Tribal Language Institute. Steps are being taken to introduce education in tribal languages as well. He remarked that this conference will be historic in every sense, as its recommendations will shape new policies and programmes.
Majhi expressed hope that people from these communities will join the mainstream and significantly contribute to a prosperous Odisha and a developed India. Attending the conference, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said nearly 5 crore tribal people have benefitted from PM Janman and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Yojana. He added that educational opportunities are being expanded through Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Ashram Schools.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised the government’s responsibility to ensure that disadvantaged SC and ST students benefit from the new education policy. “The number of students has increased from 46 lakh to 66 lakh in the last few years,” he said.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Harivansh noted that the welfare budget for SCs and STs has increased fourfold in the past decade, and the development of tribal-dominated states has helped control problems like Naxalism. “This committee not only addresses security concerns but also works towards ensuring social equality,” he added. Chairman of the Lok Sabha’s SC/ST Welfare Committee, Faggan Singh Kulaste, urged community members to play an active role not just in availing scheme benefits but also in contributing to the nation’s development.
Assembly Speaker Surama Padhi, in her welcome address, said the role of legislators is to frame policies and ensure that their benefits reach the remotest areas. She hoped the conference would guide efforts in this direction. On the occasion, Birla also inaugurated an exhibition at the Convention Hall. This is the sixth such national conference since its inception in 1976, but the first to be held outside Delhi. The event aims to foster dialogue, review challenges faced by SCs and STs, and identify strategies for their full integration into the mainstream in line with constitutional provisions. More than 200 delegates, including Chairpersons and Members from Parliament and 19 State Legislatures, are attending the conference. Birla will address the valedictory session Saturday.
