The Odisha government should regularly assess cases involving atrocities against Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations, according to Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. Athawale made the comments while reviewing the execution of many social programs under his ministry with high-ranking state officials. The Odisha government’s recent decision to raise reservation quotas from the current academic year to 22.5% for STs, 16.25% for SCs, and 11.25% for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) was applauded by the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.
He expressed appreciation with the prompt financial support given to victims of social prejudice and tragedies. Members of the SC and ST populations are become more conscious of their rights, according to Athawale. The minister was informed by officials that eligible couples receive an incentive of Rs 2.5 lakh under the Center’s inter-caste marriage policy. Up to 4,958 couples took use of the program in 2024–2025 and 2025–2026. Athawale also examined assistance programs for people with impairments. He was told that around 90,283 disabled people in Odisha are presently getting pensions through officially funded programs.