The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will organise a three-day Chintan Shivir with States and Union Territories on the Theme “Antyodaya ka Sankalp, Amrit Kaal ka Pratibimb – Viksit Bharat @2047” fromApril 24 to 26, 2026 in Chandigarh. The theme embodies the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive empowerment in consonance with the vision of Amrit Kaal and a Viksit Bharat.

The Shivir aims to strengthen the delivery of social justice initiatives, improve last-mile implementation of key schemes, and develop an actionable roadmap for inclusive and sustainable empowerment of marginalised communities.

The inaugural session will be presided over by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, in the presence of Ministers of State Shri B. L. Verma and Shri Ramdas Athawale. The event will witness participation from Ministers andofficials of States and UTs, along with Secretaries and senior officers of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

The programme will commence with an exhibition showcasing flagship schemes of the Ministry. On the occasion, several key digital and policy initiatives will be launched, including the SAMAVESH portal, NMBA 2.0 App, SETU App, and SMILE App. A book on Minimum Standards for Dementia Care Homes and Model Guidelines for Beggar Homes will also be released. Additionally, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the National Institute of Social Defence and various Universities and Institutions will be signed.

Over the three days, the Chintan Shivir will feature structured thematic discussions and breakout sessions. Breakout group sessions will focus on key thematic areas. On April 25, discussions will cover scholarship delivery and educational access, the Nasha Mukt Bharat ecosystem, dignity in sanitation work and Mission Zero sanitation-related deaths, senior citizen care, and early intervention for children with disabilities. On April 26, sessions will address area-based socio-economic development, inclusion and identity of marginalised communities, access to credit and financial empowerment, accessibility, and certification for persons with disabilities.

Each group will assess the current status of implementation, identify gaps, and share best practices and innovative solutions. The groups will present short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations with defined timelines. A standard operating procedure has been designed to ensure that discussions remain structured, evidence-based, and outcome-oriented.

The Chintan Shivir will serve as a collaborative platform for States and UTs to exchange successful models and strengthen coordination. The outcomes are expected to contribute to a practical reform agenda focused on convergence, digital innovation, and improved governance in social justice programmes.

The deliberations will culminate in a clear roadmap for strengthening India’s social justice framework through enhanced coordination, community participation, and technology-enabled delivery. A press briefing will be held on the concluding day to share key outcomes and the way forward.

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Siraj/AJ

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