National Review Conference "Chintan Shivir 2024" Set to Shape the Future of Social Justice Initiatives

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Agra: In an effort to foster transformative change in the realm of social justice, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, is hosting the highly anticipated National Review Conference titled "Chintan Shivir" on September 9th and 10th, 2024. Taking place at the prestigious Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the conference aims to review the Ministry’s efforts and lay the groundwork for implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vision 2047.” 

Bringing Together a Nation for Empowerment 

The Chintan Shivir is more than just a routine conference; it represents a pivotal moment for India's social justice landscape. This two-day gathering will convene key figures from across the country, including the Ministers of Social Justice/Social Welfare Departments from all States and Union Territories (UTs), senior officials, and stakeholders committed to the upliftment of marginalized communities. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, the event will serve as a platform to assess the progress of various social justice schemes and programs. Union Ministers of State, Shri B. L. Verma and Shri Ramdas Athawale, will also play crucial roles in the discussions, which will focus on ensuring efficient coordination between the Centre and State Governments/UTs to maximize the reach and impact of social justice policies. 

Setting the Agenda for Social Justice 

The core objective of the Chintan Shivir is to identify challenges and opportunities in the implementation of key social justice schemes. The event will emphasize fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and creating actionable strategies to strengthen and expand the reach of various empowerment initiatives. This is a critical step toward realizing the vision of an inclusive India where all citizens, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to thrive. 

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

Day 1 of the Chintan Shivir will center on three pillars: economic, educational, and social empowerment. The day's agenda will begin with presentations on flagship economic empowerment schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes, De-Notified Tribes, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PM-AGY) will also be highlighted for their role in promoting holistic rural development. 

One of the critical discussions will focus on the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA), which works toward enhancing accessibility and inclusion for PwDs. Skill development programs, such as the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata aur Kushalata Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana (PM-DAKSH), which promotes economic self-reliance, will also be spotlighted alongside the Venture Capital Fund, which supports entrepreneurial ventures for SCs and OBCs. 

The focus will then turn towards educational empowerment, featuring key presentations on scholarship programs designed to uplift students from vulnerable communities. The Post-Matric and Pre-Matric Scholarship schemes for SCs and other communities, as well as the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS), will be discussed, showcasing their potential to uplift underprivileged youth through education. 

Social empowerment will take center stage in the final session of the day, with a focus on the implementation of vital legislations, such as the Protection of 1955 Civil Rights Act, and 1989 the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Key initiatives like the National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) and the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), which focus on the safety of sanitation workers and the welfare of senior citizens, respectively, will be examined. 

The day's discussions will conclude with presentations on the National Action Plan on Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), followed by a cultural program and formal dinner. 

Day 2: Enhancing Social Empowerment Through Collaboration 

The second day will build upon the momentum of Day 1, with presentations from select States and UTs sharing their unique approaches to social empowerment. States like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu will offer insights into their successful initiatives. The discussions will also address comprehensive rehabilitation efforts for those engaged in begging and the welfare of De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring dignity and inclusion for all. 

A significant highlight of the day will be a focus on transgender welfare, underscoring the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive rehabilitation and support systems for the transgender community. Following this, the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) will present its capacity-building initiatives, which aim to enhance the effectiveness of social welfare schemes across the nation. 

Key financial and development corporations under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will also present their work, including the National Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Development and Finance Corporation (NBCFDC), the National Corporation for Divyangjan Financial Empowerment (NDFDC), and the National Sanitation Workers Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC). These presentations will offer insights into the financial assistance and support available to marginalized communities. 

The event will culminate in a Valedictory Session, where Hon’ble Ministers from across the States and UTs will share their final remarks. Dr. Virendra Kumar will then provide a summary of the key takeaways and strategies from the conference, laying the groundwork for the future of India’s social empowerment agenda. 

Paving the Way for Strategic Reforms 

The Chintan Shivir 2024 is expected to set the stage for transformative reforms that will impact millions of beneficiaries across the country. By fostering collaboration, dialogue, and a shared vision, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is ensuring that India's march toward inclusive development remains steady and strong. With a visit to the Taj Mahal planned at the close of the event, participants will leave Agra inspired by both the historical significance and the progressive agenda that will shape the nation's future.