THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 24, 2026
Stressing the need for inclusive growth, social empowerment
and the global promotion of Odisha’s rich Kalinga heritage, Union Minister of
State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday urged the
state government to strengthen the implementation of welfare schemes for
disadvantaged communities while leveraging the state's historical legacy to
attract national and international attention.
Reviewing the implementation of various welfare programmes of
the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Odisha, Athawale held a
meeting with senior state government officials in Bhubaneswar and reaffirmed
the Centre’s commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward
Classes, Divyangjan and other marginalized sections under the leadership of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the media after the review meeting, the Minister
noted that India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and
emphasized that the benefits of economic progress must reach every section of
society through effective social welfare measures and empowerment initiatives.
During the review, Athawale assessed the progress of
scholarship schemes for SC and OBC students, the implementation of the SC/ST
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, welfare programmes for Divyangjan and
transgender persons, as well as schemes promoting inter-caste marriages. He
called upon the state administration to conduct regular reviews of atrocity
cases and ensure the effective implementation of reservation provisions and
welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities.
Highlighting Odisha’s substantial population of Scheduled
Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs, the Minister assured full support from the
Central Government for pending proposals and welfare initiatives. He said the
Centre remains committed to partnering with the state to enhance social justice
outcomes and improve access to government benefits for deserving beneficiaries.
Athawale also praised Odisha’s efforts to attract investments and accelerate industrial development, stating that increased industrial growth would create significant employment opportunities for the state's youth and contribute to broader socio-economic progress.
Drawing attention to Odisha’s historical significance, he underscored the importance of Kalinga in India’s civilizational journey and suggested the organisation of national and international events to showcase the state's cultural heritage, its role in the spread of Buddhism and its enduring message of peace. Such initiatives, he said, would not only enhance global awareness of Odisha’s legacy but also strengthen cultural tourism and economic development in the state.
