Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday inaugurated the National Conference of Chairpersons of Parliamentary and State Assembly Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) in Bhubaneswar. The two-day meet, held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre, will conclude on August 30.
This is the first such parliamentary committee gathering in Odisha since 1994, making it a landmark occasion for the state. The conference brings together over 240 delegates from across India, including chairpersons and members of SC/ST welfare committees from state assemblies and Union Territories.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan, and SC/ST Welfare Committee Chairperson Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste joined the opening session. Governor Raghubar Das Kambhampati and several Odisha ministers also addressed the inaugural event, underlining the state’s commitment to tribal development.
The central theme of the meet is “The Role of Parliamentary Committees in Tribal Development.” Delegates will deliberate on constitutional safeguards, policy interventions, and state-level initiatives aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Each state will present its experiences, best practices, and challenges in implementing welfare measures for marginalized communities.
In addition to discussions, the event features an exhibition on Odisha’s rich handicrafts, traditional art forms, and tribal culture, showcasing the state’s heritage to participants from across India. A cultural program has also been planned to highlight Odisha’s diversity.
On the concluding day, delegates will visit the Konark Sun Temple and pay obeisance at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, offering them a glimpse of the state’s spiritual and cultural landmarks.
The national conference is expected to strengthen cooperation between the Centre and states in addressing issues of social justice, welfare, and empowerment of SC/ST communities.
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