Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi delivered a powerful address highlighting the importance of inclusive development during the two-day National Conference on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) held in Bhubaneswar.

The Chief Minister said, "As election approaches, tribal outreach becomes a trend among political leaders. But for some, tribal identity is not a campaign strategy—it is a lived reality.

“I was born into a tribal family. I do not need to be taught about their struggles—I have lived them,” said the CM.

He stated that SCs and STs together constitute nearly 40% of Odisha’s population, with 23% belonging to Scheduled Tribes and 17% to Scheduled Castes. He emphasized that the progress of Odisha is intrinsically linked to the upliftment of these communities.

The government has significantly increased the budget for the SC/ST Development Department to Rs 68,881 crore, aiming to expand welfare schemes and infrastructure in tribal regions, the CM further added.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), over 3 lakh individuals from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 14 districts have been included. Odisha, home to 13 of India’s 75 recognised PVTGs, has emerged as a model state in implementing this mission.

To boost forest-based economies, the government is planning to establish forest processing units. Additionally, the Millet Mission has delivered tangible benefits to tribal farmers, improving both income and nutrition.

In education sector, the Government has established 15 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, over 5 lakh students are resideing at hostel and pursuing education. Furthermore, the government has initiated mother-tongue-based education, beginning with the printing and distribution of textbooks in the Santali, said the CM.

A two-day National Conference on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) was inagurated at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar today.

Also read: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Inaugurates National Conference On SC/ST Welfare In Bhubaneswar

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.