Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged lawmakers to rise above party lines on issues of national interest. He expressed his concern over the decline in the number of legislative sittings and the disruptive behaviour of members within these bodies. Inaugurating the National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees of Parliament and State Legislatures on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Shri Birla highlighted the worrying trend of reduced discussion and dialogue in legislatures.
Om Birla reaffirmed the timeless vision of the Constitution, emphasising that social justice and equality of opportunity are not only defining features of our Constitution but also the guiding principles of India’s democratic journey over the past 75 years. He recalled Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of an India where Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalised sections live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities. Birla noted that this vision has materialised over the decades, allowing members of these communities to occupy the highest offices in the country, thus reflecting the maturity and inclusiveness of Indian democracy.
महाप्रभु जगन्नाथ जी की पावन धरती ओडिशा के भुवनेश्वर में अनुसूचित जातियों (SC) और अनुसूचित जनजातियों (ST) के कल्याण संबंधी संसद व राज्य विधानमंडलों की समितियों के सभापतियों के राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन के उद्घाटन सत्र को संबोधित किया। pic.twitter.com/i9K3CJaLjk
— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) August 29, 2025
Om Birla emphasised the crucial need for the effective utilisation of government funds and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that welfare schemes genuinely reach and empower marginalised sections of society. He highlighted the pivotal role that financial discipline and administrative accountability play in driving inclusive development. He pointed out that substantial public resources are allocated each year for social welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised groups. He stressed the importance of timely implementation and regular monitoring to ensure equitable distribution of development benefits. Reiterating that true empowerment extends beyond financial aid, he called for fostering self-reliance, dignity, and growth opportunities. The Speaker reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to social justice and inclusive governance through more responsive and result-oriented policy execution.
Highlighting the crucial role of Committees, Om Birla stated that they are the backbone of parliamentary democracy. Unlike the political pressures that drive debates in the House, Committees examine issues in detail, free from partisan politics, and arrive at consensus-based recommendations. He elaborated on how Committees, especially those focused on the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, meticulously scrutinise budgetary provisions, evaluate scheme performance, and assess whether allocations have been fully and effectively utilised. Their reports not only hold the government accountable but also provide valuable guidance for necessary course corrections.
He further noted that the Committees of Parliament and State Legislatures operate in a non-partisan manner, rising above political divides to make decisions solely in the public interest. Their discussions, which are more detailed and structured than those held in the House, provide clarity and direction for government policies and help secure consensus on sensitive issues. Om Birla pointed out that the strength of our institutions has enabled India to translate policies into real empowerment, as evidenced by the rise of leaders from marginalised communities to the highest offices.
Om Birla expressed confidence that the Conference will lead to meaningful resolutions, practical suggestions, and innovative ideas that will further strengthen the role of Committees in ensuring social justice. He stated that the deliberations will contribute to building a roadmap for an inclusive and equitable society, providing momentum to India’s aspiration of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, firmly rooted in the values of justice, equality, and dignity for all. He expressed hope that the outcomes of the Conference will inform long-term policymaking for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, addressing the gathering, expressed pride that after 25 years, the conference is being held outside Delhi, and that too in Odisha. He said the event would “pave the way for a prosperous future” for SCs and STs. Highlighting state initiatives, he mentioned that 40 per cent of Odisha’s population belongs to these communities, and the government is implementing various welfare schemes while also preserving tribal culture, heritage, and languages.
Few more glimpses from the National Conference of Chairpersons of the Committees on the Welfare of SCs & STs held in Bhubaneswar.
This historic gathering provided a meaningful platform to deliberate on inclusive policies and pathways for the holistic development of Scheduled… pic.twitter.com/u625LgUK6l— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) August 29, 2025
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said that flagship programmes like PM Janman and Dhartiaaba Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are focusing on direct benefits to tribal groups, impacting nearly five crore people. He also highlighted steps taken through Ekalavya Model Residential Schools and ashram schools to create better educational opportunities for tribal children.
अनुसूचित जाति (SC) और अनुसूचित जनजाति (ST) के कल्याण संबंधी संसद और राज्य विधानमंडलों की समितियों के सभापतियों के राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन के लिए लोक सेवा भवन, भुवनेश्वर पहुँचने पर लोक सभा अध्यक्ष श्री ओम बिरला को राज्य द्वारा पारंपरिक 'Guard of Honour' एवं आतिथ्य दिया गया।
लोक सभा… pic.twitter.com/EcVobKXDQY
— Lok Sabha Speaker (@loksabhaspeaker) August 29, 2025
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan underlined that the New Education Policy (NEP) places special emphasis on students from disadvantaged SC/ST groups, ensuring they are integrated into the national growth story.
आज भुवनेश्वर, ओडिशा में SC/ST कल्याण समितियों के माननीय सभापतियों के राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन में लोकसभा के माननीय अध्यक्ष श्री @ombirlakota जी, राज्यसभा के माननीय उपसभापति श्री @harivansh1956 जी, ओडिशा के माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री @MohanMOdisha जी, ओडिशा विधानसभा अध्यक्ष श्रीमती… pic.twitter.com/rX2zyTiMpi
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 29, 2025
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh praised Odisha’s example in SC/ST welfare, noting that in the past decade, the budget allocation for tribal welfare has increased fourfold, significantly contributing to development in tribal-dominated regions and helping curb challenges like left-wing extremism.
Lok Sabha SC/ST Welfare Committee Chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste urged that SCs and STs should not only be beneficiaries of schemes but also play a leading role in enhancing India’s prestige and driving its progress.
Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi also addressed the gathering. On the sidelines, Speaker Om Birla inaugurated an exhibition at the venue showcasing welfare initiatives.
This is the first time since its inception in 1976 that the conference is being held outside Delhi. The last such event took place in 2001. The Bhubaneswar edition aims to review the status of SCs and STs, identify challenges in bringing them into the mainstream, and chart actionable strategies for inclusive development.
