Birla Urges SC, ST Panels to Revolutionize Welfare Policies
Lok Sabha Speaker pushes for inclusive SC, ST development.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called on the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Welfare Committees of Parliament and state legislatures to craft forward-looking policies tailored to the evolving needs of these communities. Speaking at the inaugural National Conference of SC and ST Welfare Committees in Bhubaneswar—the first such event held outside Delhi—Birla emphasized the committees’ role in transcending political divides to drive meaningful change.
The two-day conference, attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, and Parliamentary Committee Chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste, saw participation from around 200 delegates, including committee chairpersons and members from 19 states. Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy highlighted the event’s focus on strengthening constitutional safeguards, boosting socio-economic development, and sharing best practices for SC and ST empowerment.
Birla urged the committees to recommend policies and schemes that reflect the changing dynamics of SC and ST communities, ensuring their contributions to India’s growth. “These committees operate above political lines, uniting members from all parties to propose measures that uplift lives through inclusive programs,” he said. He stressed the need for enhanced educational opportunities, particularly in technical fields, to empower SC and ST youth to lead globally in science, technology, and other sectors.
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Highlighting the progress of SC and ST women, Birla celebrated the leadership of India’s tribal President from Odisha, calling it a testament to the nation’s commitment to social justice. “To build a developed India, the progress of SC, ST, and backward classes is essential. They must receive their rightful share for inclusive national growth,” he asserted.
Birla also emphasized the importance of reviewing budget allocations for SC and ST welfare to ensure funds are utilized effectively. He called for legislative discussions on tribal and Dalit development to identify areas needing reform. “A developed India requires everyone’s inclusion,” he said, urging committees to accelerate growth opportunities for these communities.
The conference, themed “Role of Parliamentary and Legislature Committees on Welfare, Development, and Empowerment of SCs and STs,” featured the release of a souvenir and the inauguration of an exhibition by Birla, showcasing initiatives for SC and ST upliftment. The event aims to foster dialogue on constitutional protections and socio-economic advancement, setting the stage for impactful policy recommendations.
