Bihar Government's Commitment to Empower SC/ST Communities

The Bihar government is actively working towards the upliftment and empowerment of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). In this context, a state-level review meeting was convened under the leadership of Minister Lakhendra Kumar Roshan from the SC and ST Welfare Department. The meeting involved a comprehensive assessment of departmental progress and emphasized the urgent completion of pending tasks. The minister highlighted that delivering all welfare schemes to eligible beneficiaries within the stipulated time frame should be the department's top priority.

During the meeting, the minister remarked that SC and ST communities have faced social and economic disadvantages for centuries. To realize the dreams of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the government is implementing various initiatives, including hostels, residential schools, scholarships, and employment-related programs. He stressed the need for the department to enhance its efforts to ensure these benefits reach the most marginalized individuals. The minister praised exemplary work done in certain districts and urged the replication of these successful models in other areas. Conversely, he warned districts lagging in progress to expedite their efforts.

On this occasion, the SC/ST minister ordered a physical inspection of community buildings and ensured their status would be confirmed within 15 days. Additionally, he instructed the preparation of a list of necessary community buildings and collective toilets in SC/ST settlements, particularly for landless families. Director Priyanka Rani, present at the meeting, provided specific directives to deputy directors and district welfare officers from various districts. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the construction and renovation of Dr. Ambedkar hostels, which provide safe housing and educational facilities for SC students, essential for their holistic development. Furthermore, she called for attention to schools operated by livelihood groups and the maintenance of pre-examination training centers, which offer coaching and guidance to students preparing for competitive exams, aiding their success in securing government jobs.

Director Priyanka Rani urged officials to maintain transparency and quality in all these initiatives. She stressed the need to prioritize pending proposals to ensure proper budget utilization and prevent beneficiaries from being left out. The meeting also discussed enhancing the effectiveness of programs run by the department, such as post-matric scholarships, the operation of residential schools, and special initiatives for tribal communities. Recently, a special allocation of ₹30 crores has been made for the upliftment of the Tharu community, reflecting the department's commitment. This state-level meeting was attended by Director Priyanka Rani (IAS), Mission Director Gautam Paswan (IAS) from the Bihar Mahadalit Development Mission, Special Task Officer Diwan Jafar Hussain Khan (B.P.S.), along with deputy directors and district welfare officers from various districts.