Bhubaneswar: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday inaugurated the two-day national conference of Chairpersons of Committees on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of Parliament and state assemblies in Bhubaneswar.
Birla opened the two-day conference here in the presence of Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, and SC/ST Welfare Committee Chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste.
“Members of the SC and ST Welfare Committees always rise above party lines to make decisions for the betterment of these communities. The progress achieved by these communities in the country is due to the proposals, reviews, and monitoring by these committees.
Speaking on the occasion, Birla emphasised that irrespective of political affiliations, parliamentary and state committees have focused on the holistic development of these communities. “The proposals put forward by the committee during this conference will be implemented. This will help achieve the goal of building an equitable society in the country and contribute to the vision of a developed India,” he said.
He further stated that the Constitution was framed based on the principles of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. “For the past 78 years, the country has progressed guided by these principles. Steps have been taken to provide social and economic justice to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward communities in accordance with these principles.”
Birla added that the discussions and reviews during this conference will bring forth new ideas, and by adopting these ideas and implementing best practices from various states, an equitable and just society can be created for these communities.
The theme of the conference is ‘Role of Parliamentary and Legislature Committees on Welfare, Development and Empowerment of SCs and STs’.
The Lok Sabha Speaker also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing Odisha’s rich legislative journey.
Around 120 delegates from across the country, including chairmen and members of such committees of Parliament and 19 states, are attending the national seminar being held outside New Delhi for the first time.
Earlier speaking to the media, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy said that the seminar will deliberate on strengthening constitutional safeguards, enhancing socio-economic development, and sharing best practices for empowering 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 realising an inclusive Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The event will conclude on August 30 with the valedictory address of Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.