Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday inaugurated the two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

This marks the first time the prestigious conference is being held outside New Delhi since its inception in 1976.

The conference, themed “Role of Parliamentary and Legislative Committees in Welfare, Development and Empowerment of SCs and STs,” has drawn over 120 delegates from across India, including chairpersons and members of SC/ST welfare committees from Parliament and State/UT legislatures.

In his inaugural address, Speaker Om Birla emphasised the critical role of legislative bodies in ensuring accountability and effective implementation of welfare policies. He highlighted the need to strengthen constitutional safeguards and promote socio-economic development for marginalized communities.

Joining him at the event were several prominent leaders, including: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of SC and ST, Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste.

Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy delivered the welcome address, while Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi offered the vote of thanks.

The conference also featured the inauguration of an exhibition and the release of a commemorative souvenir.

The conference will conclude on August 30 with a valedictory address by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati.