Two-Day Agra Conference to Assess Social Empowerment Schemes Kicks Off Monday

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will host a two-day conference in Agra starting Monday. The event aims to review social empowerment schemes and enhance coordination between the Centre and state/UT governments. This national review conference, known as Chintan Shivir, will gather ministers from social justice departments across states and Union territories, senior officials, and policymakers.

Focus on Prime Minister's Vision 2047

The conference will develop strategies aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision 2047. Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar will chair the event, alongside Union ministers of state BL Verma and Ramdas Athawale. The platform will facilitate the exchange of best practices and future social empowerment strategies.

On September 9, the first day of the conference, presentations will cover schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) and Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PM-AGY). These initiatives aim to uplift Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes, Denotified Tribes, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Skill Development and Financial Assistance

Discussions will also focus on skill development programmes under the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata aur Kushalata Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana (PM-DAKSH). Financial assistance for entrepreneurs from marginalised communities through venture capital funds will be highlighted. Scholarship schemes for SCs and PwDs, including 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), will also be discussed.

The implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, will be covered. Key schemes such as the National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) and the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) for senior citizens are also on the agenda.

Innovative Approaches to Social Welfare

On the second day, state-level presentations will showcase innovative approaches to social welfare. Efforts towards rehabilitating individuals engaged in begging and welfare initiatives for marginalised communities like Denotified Tribes will be discussed. Special attention will be given to the Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons scheme.

The conference aims to lay the groundwork for long-term reforms to improve welfare and empower marginalised communities across India. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision 2047. The event will conclude with a valedictory session summarising key discussions. Attendees will then visit the Taj Mahal, adding cultural context to the proceedings.