8 August 2024: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, will hold a two-day National Review Conference titled “Chintan Shivir” on 9th and 10th September 2024 at the Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

This significant conference will bring together the Ministers of Social Justice/Social Welfare Departments from all States and Union Territories (UTs), senior officials, and other key stakeholders, to discuss on the implementation of various schemes and policies aimed at the upliftment of marginalized communities across the country.

The “Chintan Shivir” will be chaired by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, along with Shri B. L. Verma and Shri Ramdas Athawale, Union Ministers of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, and other senior officials.

The primary aim of the conference is to review the progress of key social justice schemes and their implementation at the State/UT level. It seeks to ensure seamless coordination between the Centre and State Governments/UTs and to discuss the challenges and solutions for effective implementation.

The Chintan Shivir is a platform to foster dialogue and cooperation between different stakeholders. The two-day event will allow States/UTs to share best practices and approaches, while also addressing gaps in scheme implementation. Through interactive sessions and discussions, this conference will provide a roadmap for future social empowerment initiatives and create strategies to improve their reach and efficiency.

Day 1: Focus on Economic, Educational, and Social Empowerment

The day will begin with presentations on Economic Empowerment schemes like The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) initiative which aims at uplifting Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes, De-Notified Tribes, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The presentation will cover various aspects of PM-AJAY, including the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PM-AGY) for holistic rural development, the provision of Grants-in-Aid to states and districts, and the construction and repair of hostels for disadvantaged students.

The session will also feature a discussion on the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA), which aims to enhance accessibility and inclusion for PwDs. Additionally, a presentation on the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata aur Kushalata Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana (PM-DAKSH) will focus on skill development programs that promote economic self-reliance for marginalized communities. The Venture Capital Fund, which supports entrepreneurial ventures by providing financial assistance to SCs and OBCs, will also be showcased.

The sessions will be then dedicated to Educational Empowerment, with presentations on scholarship schemes for students from vulnerable sections. Discussions will cover the Post-Matric for SCs and Pre-Matric Scholarship schemes for SCs & others, along with the National Scholarship Portal, which simplifies the process for students to access various scholarships.

Further presentations will focus on the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS), supporting SC and OBC students in their pursuit of higher education. Other highlights will include scholarship schemes for students with disabilities, the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI), and the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SRESHTA), aimed at providing quality education in residential settings.

The final session of the day will shift to Social Empowerment, beginning with a presentation on the implementation status of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. An overview of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme will provide insights into how these legislations are being effectively implemented.

A key highlight of the session will be the National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), which is focused on ensuring the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), centered on the empowerment and welfare of senior citizens, will also be presented, along with the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase of Fitting Devices (ADIP), which provides financial support for assistive devices to enhance mobility and independence.

The day will conclude with presentations on the National Action Plan on Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), both of which aim to tackle substance abuse and its societal impacts. The Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) will be showcased for its efforts in providing rehabilitation services to PwDs.

In the evening, a cultural program will be held, followed by a formal dinner, allowing participants to reflect on the day's discussions and explore opportunities for collaboration to further the empowerment of vulnerable communities.

Day 2: Focus on Social Empowerment Continues

The second day will begin with presentations from select states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, sharing their unique approaches to social empowerment and development. These presentations will be followed by discussions on comprehensive rehabilitation for persons engaged in begging, emphasizing holistic support systems. Additionally, a presentation on the welfare of De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities will highlight efforts to integrate these marginalized groups into mainstream society.

A significant focus will also be placed on the Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity and equal opportunities for transgender individuals.The day's discussions will then transition into a Technical Session with an interactive Q&A session. Presentations will cover critical issues related to Social Needs Assessment (SNA), followed by a presentation by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) on its capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening the implementation of social welfare schemes. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) will present on website and portal management to improve digital outreach and governance.

Additionally, an overview of Social Audit and Evaluation Studies will provide insights into ongoing and upcoming assessments of various social welfare programs. The session will also include presentations on the work of key financial and development corporations under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), including:

- The National Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)

- The National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

- The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC)

- The National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

An interactive Q&A session between MoSJE officers and state government officials will facilitate further discussions on improving implementation strategies and addressing challenges at the state level. The day will culminate with a Valedictory Session, where the participating Hon’ble Ministers from various States and Union Territories will address the gathering. The session will conclude with remarks by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, who will summarize the key takeaways and future strategies discussed during the two-day event. A Vote of Thanks will be extended, followed by an Interaction with the Press.

Following the formal proceedings, a visit to the Taj Mahal will mark the end of Chintan Shivir 2024 with a cultural experience thus laying the groundwork for strategic reforms and improvements that will positively impact millions of beneficiaries in the years to come.

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Saurabh Singh