Bhubaneswar, Jun 24: Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday reviewed the implementation of key welfare schemes in Odisha during a meeting with senior state government officials. He emphasised the Centre’s commitment to social justice, inclusive growth, and empowerment of disadvantaged communities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Speaking to the media, Athawale highlighted India’s emergence as the world’s fourth‑largest economy and underscored the need to ensure that Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Divyangjan, transgender persons, and other marginalised groups benefit from development.

The Union Minister reviewed scholarship schemes for SC and OBC students, the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and welfare measures for Divyangjan and inter‑caste marriage promotion. He urged the Odisha government to strengthen monitoring of atrocity cases and ensure effective implementation of reservation and welfare provisions.

Athawale noted Odisha’s significant SC, ST, and OBC population and assured full support from the Centre for pending proposals. He also appreciated the state’s efforts to attract investment, stressing that industrial growth would generate employment opportunities for youth.

The Minister underlined the historical significance of Kalinga and suggested organising national and international events to showcase Odisha’s heritage and its role in spreading Buddhism and peace.
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Earlier in the day, Athawale met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The two leaders discussed coordination between the Centre and the State to strengthen social security frameworks.

CM Majhi briefed the Union Minister on state initiatives, including the inclusion of six lakh additional beneficiaries under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and the provision of an extra five kilograms of rice under the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana, officials said.