Bhubaneswar, June 24 (IANS) 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

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