Overview

A high-level Indian parliamentary committee dedicated to the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) convened a significant two-day meeting in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on June 5 and 6, 2025. The committee, comprising members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, engaged with a range of stakeholders—including SC/ST employees, union representatives, and local officials—to assess challenges and gather input for a comprehensive national welfare report. A highlight of the visit was an audience with Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, underscoring the committee’s commitment to social harmony and inclusive development.

Committee Composition and Purpose

The 30-member delegation was led by Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, a veteran parliamentarian and former Union Minister, with a distinguished record of advocacy for tribal and marginalized communities. The committee included 18 parliamentarians (12 from the Lok Sabha and 6 from the Rajya Sabha), their families, and senior officials.

The primary objectives of the visit were:

To assess the current status of SC/ST welfare initiatives in government and public sector institutions.
To engage directly with SC/ST employees, unions, and welfare associations.
To identify barriers to opportunity, promotion, and post-retirement benefits.
To gather data and feedback for a forthcoming parliamentary report aimed at policy reform and improved implementation of welfare schemes.

Stakeholder Consultations

During the two-day session, the committee held detailed meetings with representatives from SC/ST Employees Welfare Associations across major government and public sector organizations, including:

Power Grid Corporation of India
Central University of Himachal Pradesh (Dharamshala)
NTPC
Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)
Other regional and national bodies

Key issues discussed included:

Challenges in appointments, promotions, and representation of SC/ST employees.
Access to welfare schemes, scholarships, and housing.
Working conditions and social security provisions.
Barriers faced by SC/ST pensioners and post-retirement support.

The committee emphasized the importance of direct dialogue, encouraging employees to share their experiences and propose solutions. The feedback collected will inform a detailed report to be submitted to Parliament, with recommendations for strengthening SC/ST welfare across the country.

Policy Focus and Welfare Schemes

Committee members highlighted several flagship government initiatives designed to uplift SC and ST communities, including:

Education: Scholarships for higher education, including the National Foreign Scholarship scheme for ST students to study abroad.
Hostel Facilities: The Babu Jagjivan Ram Hostel Scheme (BJRCY) for SC and ST students, ensuring safe and affordable accommodation.
Entrepreneurship: Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSEs) led by SC/ST entrepreneurs.
Vocational Training and Employment: Expanded access to skills development and job opportunities.
Social Security: Enhanced pension and post-retirement benefits for SC/ST employees.

Members reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, with BJP MP Arun Sagar noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has launched numerous public welfare schemes targeting every section of society, with a special focus on marginalized groups.

Meeting with the Dalai Lama

A notable moment of the visit was the delegation’s meeting with the Dalai Lama at his residence in McLeodganj. At least 17 MPs, along with their families and officials, sought blessings from the spiritual leader. The Dalai Lama, known globally for his advocacy of compassion, non-violence, and social harmony, welcomed the delegation and shared his thoughts on the importance of uplifting marginalized communities and fostering unity in diversity.

The interaction was seen as symbolic, reinforcing the committee’s message of social justice, peace, and the need for empathy in policymaking. The Dalai Lama’s words resonated with the committee’s mission to ensure that development reaches the most disadvantaged sections of society.

Outcomes and Next Steps

The Dharamshala visit is expected to have several far-reaching outcomes:

Comprehensive Report: The committee will compile the insights and recommendations from the meetings into a report for Parliament, influencing future welfare policies.
Policy Recommendations: Focus areas will include improving access to education, employment, and social security; addressing gaps in scheme implementation; and ensuring equitable opportunities for SC/ST employees.
Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: The committee’s direct engagement model may serve as a template for future consultations across other regions and sectors.

Summary

The two-day meeting of the Indian parliamentary committee for SC-ST welfare in Dharamshala marked a significant step in the ongoing effort to uplift marginalized communities. By engaging directly with employees, unions, and local leaders, and by seeking the blessings of the Dalai Lama, the committee demonstrated a commitment to inclusive, compassionate, and effective governance. The findings and recommendations from this visit are set to inform national policy, aiming to ensure that the benefits of development reach every section of Indian society.