Bhubaneswar: 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), Odisha’s Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has said.
Addressing a day-long Regional Review Conference of 5 states – Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chattisgarh and Kerala– here he said, “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.”
Ahuja stressed 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 pointed out.
The event was held to review the schemes of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and issues with the states.
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, he said.
Stating that focus on strengthening welfare initiatives like access to quality education, healthcare, and housing crucial for empowering marginalized communities are fundamental to Odisha’s vision of a Viksit State, CS Ahuja said stress is on aligning those with the broader national goal of a Viksit Bharat. “Beyond welfare, there is a need to promote entrepreneurship and skill development,” he pointed out, stating that by integrating economic empowerment initiatives with welfare schemes, sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance for SC communities can be created.
In his address the Union Secretary MoSJE Amit Yadav 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, he said.
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 NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan (drug demand reduction program) was also reviewed, stressing collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Underscoring the issue of fund utilization, Yadav urged 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.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary SSEPD Department Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra highlighted the collective commitment of States and UTs to addressing challenges, sharing solutions, and fostering collaboration in the effective implementation of welfare programs.
Recognizing the importance of convergence, Mishra 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.
