National ‘Chintan Shivir’ ends with time-bound roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047
States, UTs back actionable reforms on accessibility, transgender welfare, SC/OBC empowerment, DNT inclusion and simplified delivery of welfare schemes
The three-day national ‘Chintan Shivir’ on social justice concluded in Chandigarh on Sunday with the Centre, states and Union Territories adopting a time-bound roadmap to strengthen last-mile delivery of welfare schemes and accelerate inclusive development under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the conclave culminated with consensus on actionable recommendations covering accessibility, economic empowerment of Scheduled Castes and OBCs, welfare of transgender persons, disability certification, and inclusion of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in Census-2027.
Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar said the deliberations moved beyond policy intent to focus on practical implementation measures. “From scholarships to accessibility and transgender welfare, this Chintan Shivir has focused on practical solutions, not just policy intent,” he said.
The minister said the recommendations would shape a stronger implementation framework with emphasis on technology-enabled governance, process simplification, better monitoring and closer Centre-State coordination.
Key outcomes included a push for area-based socio-economic interventions under PM-AJAY for SC communities, strengthening of the SEED scheme for DNTs, wider credit access and entrepreneurship support for disadvantaged groups, and comprehensive rehabilitation support for transgender persons under the SMILE-TG sub-scheme.
States and UTs also agreed on concrete measures under the “Jagrukta se Sugamyata” initiative to improve accessibility in public infrastructure, transport, digital platforms and services for persons with disabilities, including non-negotiable accessibility standards, dedicated funds and empanelled auditors by 2027-28.
Participants further recommended technology-enabled, hassle-free disability certification, simplified documentation and timelines for welfare schemes, and stronger grievance redressal systems.
The Shivir concluded with the Ministry committing to implement the outcomes through revised guidelines, enhanced monitoring, wider outreach and sustained capacity building in partnership with states and UTs. Officials said the exercise marked a shift from welfare intent to measurable ground-level outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.
