Odisha: Ramdas Athawale reviews welfare schemes for SCs, OBCs, and PwDs
Bhubaneswar, June 24
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale reviewed the implementation of various welfare schemes being carried out by the state government for vulnerable sections of society.
According to an official statement, the state government informed that during his one-day visit to Odisha, the Union Minister held a review meeting with senior officials from different departments, including the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), the ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
During the meeting, the Minister also reviewed the schemes being implemented for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and sought details on scholarships, higher education opportunities, and reservation in education and employment.
He appreciated the state government's recent decision to enhance reservation for Scheduled Tribes to 22.5 per cent, for Scheduled Castes to 16.25 per cent, and for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) to 11.25 per cent, effective from the current academic year.
Athawale also expressed satisfaction over the financial assistance being provided to victims of atrocities and social discrimination. He noted that the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are becoming aware of their rights.
The state government officials informed him that under the Central Government's scheme for inter-caste marriages, eligible couples are being provided an incentive of Rs 2.5 lakh. During the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, a total of 4,958 couples benefited from the scheme.
The Minister further reviewed welfare measures for persons with disabilities. He was informed that nearly 90,283 persons with disabilities in Odisha are receiving pensions under Central Government-supported schemes.
Detailed discussions were also held on special schools for children with disabilities, reservation provisions, and rehabilitation measures.
Athawale emphasised the importance of early identification, regular health screening, and timely intervention for children with disabilities to ensure their holistic development.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Why is the focus always on caste-based welfare? What about the poorest among the upper castes who also struggle? The reservation percentages keep increasing but quality of education and employment for everyone should be the priority. Just my two paise as a concerned citizen.
Impressive that 90,000+ persons with disabilities are getting pensions! But 90,283 sounds like a very precise number—are we sure these are all genuine beneficiaries? I've heard stories of ghost beneficiaries in many states. The review should also focus on audits and transparency. Still, good step overall.
As someone from Odisha, I'm glad Athawale visited and reviewed things on ground. Our state has always lagged in social indicators. Special schools for children with disabilities need urgent attention—most are understaffed and lack proper equipment. Early identification is key, but we also need trained teachers. 😊
Reservation is one thing, but real empowerment comes from quality education and skill development. Athawale should push for more vocational training for SC/ST/OBC youth. Just giving scholarships without ensuring job-readiness is like filling a bucket with a hole. The inter-caste marriage scheme is progressive though—Rs 2.5 lakh is serious money!
A small step in the right direction. But let's not forget that many SC and OBC families still face everyday discrimination in villages. The review should also include how many cases of atrocities are being registered and how fast justice is delivered. Statistics are nice, but ground reality matters more. 🙏
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