Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: A historic two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will commence from today in Bhubaneswar, marking the first time such an event is being held outside New Delhi since its inception in 1976.

The event will bring together over 120 delegates from across India, including chairpersons, members, and legislators from state assemblies and union territories. Each state and UT will be represented by one committee chairperson, five members, and four MLAs, alongside 30 members of the Parliamentary Committee on SC/ST Welfare.

The conference will be inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla presiding over the opening session. Prominent union ministers including Jual Oram (Tribal Affairs) and Dharmendra Pradhan (Education), as well as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh and Committee Chairperson Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, will also address the gathering.

Themed “Role of Parliamentary and Legislature Committees in Welfare, Development and Empowerment of SCs and STs,” the conference aims to strengthen constitutional safeguards, promote socio-economic development, and share best practices for empowering marginalized communities.

The event will conclude on August 30 with a valedictory address by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. This historic gathering is expected to shape future policy frameworks and reinforce accountability in implementing welfare schemes, aligning with the vision of an inclusive Viksit Bharat by 2047.

An exhibition showcasing initiatives for SC/ST empowerment and a commemorative souvenir will also be unveiled.

Over the next two days, delegates will deliberate on strengthening constitutional safeguards, enhancing socio-economic development, and sharing best practices to uplift SC/ST communities.