Five-State Dialogue on Social Welfare Schemes Held in Bhubaneswar

1. Key Focus on Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Inclusive Growth and Welfare

2. In-depth Discussions Held on Fund Utilization, Legal Safeguards, and Economic Empowerment

Bhubaneswar 17.02.2025 : One Day Regional Review Conference of 5 states viz. Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chattisgarh and Kerala has been held today on 17th February in Bhubaneswar, organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India and supported by the Govt. of Odisha.
The schemes of MoSJE and issues with the states by Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India have been reviewed in detail in the conference. This platform provided an opportunity to assess the implementation of welfare schemes, address key challenges, and explore new strategies for inclusive growth and social justice.
The inaugural session of the seminar was addressed by the secretary, MoSJE, Govt. of India Shri Amit Yadav, IAS and Chief Secretary, Odisha Sri Manoj Ahuja,IAS. The Principal Secretary, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Odisha  Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, IAS moderated the session.
In his opening remarks, Secretary, MoSJ&E Shri Yadav  expressed gratitude to the Odisha government for hosting the event and highlighted about the meeting as part of a series of state-level consultations initiated in August in Agra, followed by regional meetings in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Jaipur, to ensure continuous coordination between the central and state governments.
The Secretary emphasized that since social justice schemes are implemented at the state level, a structured dialogue between ministry officials and state authorities was essential for effective execution. He underscored the diverse responsibilities of the MoSJ&E, which include the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), transgenders, senior citizens, sanitation workers, and persons affected by drug abuse. The ministry oversees various acts, including the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, the Transgender Act, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, and the Manual Scavengers Rehabilitation Act.

The Secretary spoke about three core pillars of empowerment—education, social inclusion, and economic support—formed the crux of the discussions. He highlighted the availability of financial assistance under schemes such as SC and OBC scholarships, economic grants, and loans for marginalized communities. The implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (drug demand reduction program) was also reviewed, stressing collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
The Secretary urged upon the issue of fund utilization and state governments to ensure timely submission of proposals for various schemes, particularly under the PM Ajay initiative, to avoid fund lapses. He also stressed the need for better intra-state coordination between departments such as Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Education to streamline welfare initiatives.
Highlighting Odisha’s world-class hockey infrastructure, the Secretary lauded the state’s efforts in sports promotion. He also acknowledged Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions, which contribute significantly to cultural and economic development. He urged collective commitment from all stakeholders to enhance coordination and ensure the effective implementation of social justice and empowerment initiatives, aligning with the national vision of inclusive growth and welfare for marginalized communities.
Chief Secretary Shri Ahuja in his address stated that, Odisha is a state with a Scheduled Caste population of 17% (Census 2011). This platform provides us an opportunity to assess the implementation of welfare schemes, address key challenges, and explore new strategies for inclusive growth and social justice for the targeted population.
He said that, the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 requires an unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly SEBCs OBCs), and PwDs (Divyangas). Effective implementation of schemes at all levels will ensure their meaningful impact, bringing real change in the lives of those who need it the most.
He emphasised upon the critical role of legal safeguards, such as the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955, and the Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act, 1989, in ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for the SC communities. Strict enforcement of these laws, coupled with awareness campaigns are essential to eliminating discrimination and promoting social inclusion.
He also focussed upon strengthening welfare initiatives liked access to quality education, healthcare, and housing crucial for empowering marginalized communities are fundamental prerequisites for Odisha’s vision of a Viksit State, aligning with the broader national goal of a Viksit Bharat. Beyond welfare, there is a need to promote entrepreneurship and skill development. By integrating economic empowerment initiatives with welfare schemes, we can create sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance for SC communities, Chief Secretary added.
The Principal Secretary, SSD,Odisha Shri Mishra welcoming all the delegates participants from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, and West Bengal including State of Odisha highlighted  the collective commitment of States and UTs to addressing challenges, sharing solutions, and fostering collaboration in the effective implementation of welfare programs.
In his address the Principal Secretary said that, the Government of Odisha has been implementing a range of Central Sector and State Sector schemes to enhance socio-economic opportunities for SC communities. Recognizing the importance of convergence, he said Line Departments have played a crucial role in ensuring seamless implementation of different schemes and this platform will provide a valuable opportunity to identify and address key administrative and technical issues pertaining to the implementation of various schemes for welfare of SC communities.
The post inaugural session i.e. session II held with discussion on issues pertaining to Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for SCs and Pradhan Mantri-Young Achievers Scholarship  Award Schemes for Vibrant India(PM-YASASVI) for OBCs, EBCs & DNTs.
The session II followed with Parallel Session with Piramal Foundation, Bharat Innovation Global, Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana(PMAJAY) Strengthening of machinery for Enforcement of Protection of Civil Right Act 1955 and Prevention of Article Act, 1989 and system of statistical Accounts of STS(SNA) issues designed specifically to measure the economic activity and well-being of scheduled Tribes(STs).
In the past lunch session (session III) issues in connection with implementation of National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), National Action plan on Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), Atal Vayo Abhyudayo Yojana(AVYAY), Economic Inclusion: PM-SURAJ & Role of Corporation; VCF, Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood & Enterprise(Beggary & Transgenger), National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) & Social Audit: Issues & way forward were discussed.
More importantly, this conference goes beyond issue resolution: a platform for dialogue, cross-learning, and the exchange of best practices. In addition to the review meeting, the parallel sessions with key stakeholders will facilitate in-depth discussions, fostering innovation, strategy development, and collaboration. By uniting policy leaders, education experts, and partners, it aims to address challenges, enhance welfare schemes, and provide actionable insights for future policy improvements and effective program implementation across States.
The meeting also reviewed the role of finance corporations—SC Development Finance Corporation, OBC Development Finance Corporation, and Safai Karamchari Development Finance Corporation—in promoting economic empowerment through targeted financial schemes like PM Suraj and Vishwa. Additionally, discussions focused on awareness campaigns in collaboration with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and capacity-building initiatives under the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD).
Besides Delegates from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, West Bengal, and Odisha, Other senior Officers from the Ministry of SJ&E, GoI, Govt.of Odisha, distinguished representatives from Piramal Foundation, Bharat Innovation Global, and other stakeholders were participated in this regional conference.