Bhubaneswar, Aug 30: Bhubaneswar witnessed a historic gathering as the National Tribal Parliamentary Committee held a two-day workshop focused on welfare, development, and empowerment of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

The event, inaugurated with a ceremonial celebration, brought together over 100 delegates from across India, including key dignitaries and policymakers.

Among the prominent attendees were Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Parliamentary Committee Chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and Bhaskar Madhei, Chairperson of Odisha’s SC/ST House Committee.

The workshop served as a platform for dialogue between state and central governments, with representatives from 14 states and 8 Members of Parliament sharing insights and recommendations. Discussions centered on strengthening constitutional safeguards, improving policy implementation, and ensuring inclusive development for tribal communities.

Faggan Singh Kulaste emphasized the need for states that have not yet formed SC/ST committees to expedite the process through coordination with their respective governments. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh stressed that while many schemes exist on paper, the real challenge lies in executing them effectively on the ground. He highlighted the role of technology and good governance in transforming tribal welfare.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla echoed the sentiment, stating that the outcomes of this workshop would help fulfill Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of an inclusive and developed India by 2047. He called for policy reforms tailored to the actual needs of tribal communities and urged committees to play a proactive role in shaping impactful legislation.