Lok Sabha Speaker to Inaugurate SC-ST Welfare Conference in Odisha

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla will inaugurate a two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Bhubaneswar on 29 August 2025. This is the first time the event is being held outside Delhi, marking a historic step in strengthening parliamentary dialogue on the rights and empowerment of marginalized communities.

Leaders to Attend the Inaugural

The inaugural will be attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, and Parliamentary Committee Chairperson Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste. Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly Surama Padhy will deliver the welcome address, while Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi will present the vote of thanks.

Theme and Focus Areas

The conference theme, “Role of Parliamentary and Legislative Committees in Welfare, Development and Empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes”, underlines the importance of legislative accountability in ensuring that welfare schemes truly benefit SC and ST communities.

Over 120 delegates, including MPs, MLAs, and committee members from across states and union territories, will participate. Discussions will focus on constitutional safeguards, socio-economic development, and sharing best practices. Delegates will also deliberate on pathways for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Historic Context

The first such conference was held in 1976 in New Delhi. Subsequent editions in 1979, 1983, 1987, and 2001 have helped strengthen policies for marginalized groups. The 2025 edition in Bhubaneswar marks a significant departure by bringing the forum closer to the tribal heartland of India, symbolizing inclusivity and regional representation.

Valedictory Session

The conference will conclude on 30 August 2025 with a valedictory address by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. Senior leaders including Om Birla, Harivansh, Dr. Kulaste, Surama Padhy, and Odisha’s Deputy Chief Ministers K. V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida will share their insights. Bhaskar Madhei, Chairperson of Odisha’s Committee on Welfare of SC and ST, will deliver the closing vote of thanks.