CM pushes for major growth, announces hikes on Foundation Day – myuttarakhandnews.com | Uttarakhand News in English | Dehradun News Today| News Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand latest news

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Jyotirmath At the 26th foundation anniversary celebrations in Bhararisain (Gairsain) on Monday, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised that creating a prosperous and self-reliant Uttarakhand remains his government’s ultimate priority. Extending his wishes to the people, he honored the statehood leaders’ vision and credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his historic role in creating the state.  “Uttarakhand has achieved multiple milestones in its 26 years of existence as a separate state. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has been working tirelessly with the resolve to ensure that the third decade of the 21st century becomes the decade of Uttarakhand. The Char Dham road project, seven Delhi-Dehradun Expressways, Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project, and Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeways will provide new impetus to the state’s connectivity, strengthening pilgrimage,” he said. Addressing the commemorative gathering, he also cited the Vibrant Village programme, claiming that about 200 projects are underway in 51 frontier villages spread across the state. “To expand healthcare facilities, work is underway to establish a Cancer Institute in Haldwani and an AIIMS satellite centre in Kichha. More than 6.3 million cards have been issued under the Atal Ayushman Yojana. Virtual classes have been started in about 1,300 schools and 226 schools have been developed as PM Shri Vidyalayas,” he said. Further, he made 13 announcements, including a hike in the honorarium of Anganwadi workers and their assistants along with guest teachers, ASHA workers and Bhojan Matas from December 1. “Besides, Lakhpati Didis will be provided incentives in two installments for business expansion and new self-employment initiatives. Those injured in wildlife attacks will be given additional financial assistance for expensive treatments like plastic surgery in addition to the current amount given as assistance. In each district, two modern digital libraries and reading rooms will be established in municipal areas separate from the district headquarters. All revenue villages with electricity supply through other means will be connected to the power grid. The land purchase process will be simplified for migrants wishing to invest in the state,” he announced. He also mentioned that the system of ‘Apunni Sarkar’ portal would be made more simple and effective in every district to provide government services to the elderly, handicapped people and citizens of remote areas at their homes. The statehood agitators and their descendants were included in the CM’s commemorative bonanza, too.  “A cabinet committee will be formed to resolve the demands and problems of the statehood agitators. The committee will give recommendations on matters related to relaxation in identification rules, double pension and giving certificates to dependents. Besides, positive steps will be taken on the cases of the statehood agitators appointed in 2013-14,” he added.