Bhubaneswar, August 29: A two-day national conference focusing on the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was inaugurated today at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Hall in Bhubaneswar. The event was formally inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Union Ministers, and Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy.
The conference has brought together over 200 delegates from across the country, including representatives from every state and Union Territory. Each delegation includes a Committee Chairperson, five members, and four MLAs. Additionally, 30 members of the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are also participating.
This marks the first time since 1994 that Odisha is hosting a meeting of a parliamentary committee, making the event a significant milestone. The theme of this year's conference is “The Role of Parliamentary Committees in Tribal Development,” which will be discussed in various sessions over the course of August 29 and 30.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and several state ministers are scheduled to address the gathering during the inaugural session. The conference will also highlight successful initiatives undertaken by various states in the areas of constitutional safeguards and tribal development.
As part of the event, an exhibition featuring Odisha’s rich heritage in handicrafts, handlooms, art, and culture has been organized, along with cultural performances.
Following the conclusion of the conference, the delegates will be taken on a visit to the Sun Temple in Konark, followed by a darshan of Lord Jagannath at the sacred Puri temple, offering them a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural legacy of Odisha.
