Bhubaneswar, July 21: As many as 129 Welfare Extension Officers joined the State ST & SC Development Department on Friday at the Nijukti Parva organised at the convention centre of Lok Seva Bhawan here.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik advised the new officers to be proactive in ensuring the services reach the beneficiaries and be sensitive to people.
“Welfare Extension Officers have a significant role at the grassroots level for enhancing the quality of life of a majority section of our State,” said Patnaik.
Highlighting that the SC, ST Department is one of the most significant departments, the Chief Minister said dept looks into development & welfare of 75 per cent people belonging to communities from ST, SC, Minorities & Backward Class.
“It has huge responsibility in carrying forward inclusive development goals,” said Patnaik.
The Chief Minister mentioned that apart from ongoing livelihood programmes for tribals, Govt has also introduced Mukhya Mantri Jana-Jati Jeevika Mission.
“It is one of the largest livelihood promotion initiatives directed specifically for tribals with a budgetary allocation of Rs 500 crore,” added Patnaik.
He said that the scheme will provide support to 1.5 lakh tribal households over three years starting from 2022-23.
Highlighting that education is essential for socio-economic upliftment, the Chief Minister said that the Government has decided to pay one-time financial assistance up to Rs 50,000 to needy ST, SC students pursuing Degree education.
ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Minister Jagannath Saraka highlighted the achievements of his department in the development of ST, SC people. He called upon the young officers to work with commitment for the welfare of people.
