Five States Conference: The One Day Regional Review Conference covering five states—Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala—was held in Bhubaneswar today. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India, with support from the Government of Odisha.
The event served as a platform to assess the implementation of welfare schemes, address key challenges, and explore new strategies for inclusive growth and social justice. Senior officials from the central and state governments, along with representatives from various organizations, participated in the discussions.
Key Highlights of the Conference:
Inaugural Session:
The conference was inaugurated by Shri Amit Yadav, IAS, Secretary, MoSJE, Government of India, and Shri Manoj Ahuja, IAS, Chief Secretary, Odisha. The session was moderated by Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Odisha.
In his opening remarks, Shri Amit Yadav thanked the Odisha government for hosting the event and emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between central and state authorities for the effective implementation of social justice schemes. He highlighted the ministry’s role in addressing the welfare needs of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), transgenders, senior citizens, sanitation workers, and individuals affected by drug abuse.
The Secretary also underscored the importance of timely fund utilization, intra-state coordination, and better collaboration between departments such as Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Education. He specifically stressed the need for effective execution of the PM Ajay initiative and praised Odisha’s contributions to sports and handicrafts.
Chief Secretary Odisha, Shri Manoj Ahuja, highlighted that Odisha has a Scheduled Caste population of 17% (Census 2011) and reiterated the state’s commitment to inclusive growth and social justice. He emphasized legal safeguards such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, to ensure dignity and equality for SC communities.
Discussions and Parallel Sessions:
Session II:
Addressed issues related to Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for SCs.
Discussion on Pradhan Mantri-Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI) for OBCs, EBCs & DNTs.
Parallel Sessions:
Piramal Foundation & Bharat Innovation Global: Strengthening the enforcement of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PMAJAY): Improving statistical accounting for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Session III:
Discussions on schemes like National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) and National Action Plan on Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
Economic inclusion schemes like PM-SURAJ and livelihood support for marginalized communities, including transgender individuals and persons engaged in beggary.
Capacity-building initiatives under the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD).
Outcomes and Way Forward:
The conference served as a crucial forum for dialogue, cross-learning, and the exchange of best practices among participating states. Discussions were held on the role of finance corporations such as SC Development Finance Corporation, OBC Development Finance Corporation, and Safai Karamchari Development Finance Corporation in promoting economic empowerment through financial schemes like PM Suraj and Vishwa.
Additionally, strategies for awareness campaigns in collaboration with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) were reviewed to enhance legal support and capacity-building initiatives.
The event saw participation from senior officials of MoSJE, Government of India, Government of Odisha, and delegates from the participating states, along with representatives from Piramal Foundation, Bharat Innovation Global, and other stakeholders.
The conference marked a significant step towards strengthening welfare initiatives, improving coordination, and ensuring the effective implementation of social justice schemes for marginalized communities across the five states.
