NCCCWSCST to share best practices for empowering SCs and STs: Surama Padhy

Bhubaneswar, Aug 28 (UNI) The National Conference of Chairpersons of the Committees on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (NCCCWSCST), beginning here tomorrow, will deliberate on strengthening constitutional safeguards, enhancing socio-economic development, and sharing best practices to empower Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Briefing media persons, Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy today said the first such conference was held in New Delhi in 1976.
Since then, subsequent conferences were organized in 1979, 1983, 1987, and 2001, contributing to meaningful dialogue on welfare measures and constitutional safeguards for SCs and STs.
“This is the first time the conference is being held outside Delhi,” Padhy added.
The Speaker emphasized that the conference will highlight the pivotal role of Parliamentary and State Legislature Committees in ensuring accountability in the implementation of welfare policies, with the vision of achieving an inclusive Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the National Conference, the accompanying exhibition, and release a souvenir to mark the occasion.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Parliamentary Committee Chairperson on the Welfare of SCs and STs Dr. Faggan Singh
Kulaste will also address the gathering.
The inaugural session will feature a welcome address by Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and a vote of thanks by Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi.
The two-day conference (August 29–30, 2025) will bring together over 120 delegates, including Chairpersons and Members of SC/ST Welfare Committees from Parliament and State/UT legislatures.
The theme of the conference is “Role of Parliamentary and Legislature Committees in Welfare, Development, and Empowerment of SCs and STs.”
The valedictory session on August 30 will be addressed by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh,
Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and Odisha Health
& Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, and E&IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling.