Centre Commends Odisha’s Inclusive Welfare Drive
Bhubaneswar: The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has lauded Odisha’s inclusive welfare initiatives during a high‑level review meeting between Secretary Sudhansh Pant and Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
The session assessed schemes benefiting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, minorities, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, and senior citizens.
Odisha’s achievements under Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana were highlighted, with 1,519 villages declared Adarsh Grams.
The state has also supported SC women self‑help groups with loans and subsidies, trained 4,628 individuals under PM‑AJAY, and extended scholarships to over 2.38 lakh SC and 2.08 lakh backward class students.
For persons with disabilities, 41 rehabilitation centres and 11 “Disha” centres are operational, while transgender welfare has advanced with 3,159 ID cards issued and 104 SHGs formed.
Senior citizens benefit from 95 old‑age homes, and beggar rehabilitation centres assist nearly 1,800 individuals.
Officials emphasised aligning these initiatives with Viksit Odisha Vision 2036 & 2047, revising senior citizen and disability policies, and strengthening Centre–State collaboration to ensure benefits reach vulnerable groups.
