Overview

• The two-day conference runs August 29–30 in Bhubaneswar, bringing together around 200 delegates from Parliament and 19 states.
• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged committees to operate above party lines, reassess budget allocations for SCs and STs, and craft recommendations suited to changing needs.
• Birla voiced concern over declining debate in legislatures and emphasized committees’ growing role in accountability through scrutiny of schemes and spending.
• Senior leaders including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh addressed the gathering.
• The programme includes an exhibition on Odisha’s culture, a souvenir release by the Speaker, and a valedictory address by the Governor on August 30.