Image Credit: Hindustantimes
On 9th and 10th September 2024, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of India will host a big national conference called “Chintan Shivir” at the Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This two-day event will bring together Ministers of Social Justice from all Indian States and Union Territories (UTs), along with senior officials and other important people. They will talk about how to improve different programs that help underprivileged and marginalized communities in India.
The Chintan Shivir will be led by Dr. Virendra Kumar, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, along with Shri B. L. Verma and Shri Ramdas Athawale, who are Union Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment. These leaders will discuss how well the government’s programs for social justice are working and how they can be improved.
Purpose of the Conference
The main goal of this meeting is to review the progress of key social programs across the States and UTs. It will focus on making sure that both Central and State Governments work together smoothly to help marginalized groups. The conference will also address any problems or challenges in running these programs and explore possible solutions.
The two-day event will serve as a platform for open discussions and sharing ideas. States and UTs will share their experiences, talk about best practices, and find ways to make the social justice programs even better. By doing this, they hope to reach more people and make these initiatives more effective in improving lives.
Day 1: Economic, Educational, and Social Empowerment
The first day will begin with presentations on various Economic Empowerment schemes. One important program to be discussed is the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), which helps support Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes, De-Notified Tribes, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The meeting will cover the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PM-AGY), which focuses on improving villages, and financial support provided to build hostels for disadvantaged students.
Another important topic is the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA). This scheme aims to ensure accessibility and inclusion for PwDs. The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata aur Kushalata Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana (PM-DAKSH), which provides skill development programs to help marginalized people become self-reliant, will also be discussed.
Next, the focus will shift to Educational Empowerment. Presentations will highlight scholarship programs for students from marginalized communities, such as the Post-Matric Scholarship for SCs and Pre-Matric Scholarship for SCs. The National Scholarship Portal will also be discussed, which makes it easier for students to apply for scholarships. Programs like SHREYAS, which support SC and OBC students in higher education, and the PM-YASASVI scholarship scheme will be showcased.
The last session on Day 1 will focus on Social Empowerment. There will be a presentation on laws that protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST), such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Additionally, the meeting will discuss the National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), which aims to ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
Day 2: Continued Focus on Social Empowerment
The second day will include presentations from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and others. These states will share how they are working to empower marginalized groups and improve their social welfare programs. Discussions will cover support for people engaged in begging, and the government’s efforts to help Transgender persons lead more dignified and empowered lives.
A key part of Day 2 will be a Technical Session, where experts will talk about the government’s Social Needs Assessment (SNA) and National Informatics Centre (NIC) will discuss improving digital outreach. The session will also feature presentations on Social Audits and evaluations of current social programs.
Ministers will also discuss the work of key financial corporations like:
- National Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)
- National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC)
- National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC)
- National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
There will be an interactive Q&A session between the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment officers and state government officials, allowing everyone to discuss how to improve the programs and solve challenges.
Conclusion and Cultural Program
The event will end with a Valedictory Session where the Ministers from different States and UTs will share their closing thoughts. Dr. Virendra Kumar will summarize the key points and provide a roadmap for future action. After the formal discussions, participants will visit the Taj Mahal, wrapping up the event with a cultural experience.
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