Government is moving towards self-reliant Uttarakhand: CM

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Haldwani, 25 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the “Jagran Vimarsh – Uttarakhand: Hopes and Challenges” programme organised by Dainik Jagran in Haldwani on Friday by lighting a lamp. On this occasion, the Chief Minister shared his views on the state’s development journey, achievements, potential, and future challenges.The Chief Minister stated that development is a continuous process, and the needs and challenges of development change with time. Uttarakhand’s budget, which began at approximately Rs 4,000 crore at the time of state formation, has now reached approximately Rs 1.11 lakh crore. The state has made significant progress in various sectors, including roads, health, education, tourism, energy, agriculture, and horticulture.The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand is rapidly emerging as a major tourist and film destination. The number of homestays in the state has increased by approximately 50 percent in the last few years. The state’s per capita income has also increased by approximately 41 percent. Uttarakhand and Kerala jointly ranked first in the SDG India Index 2023-24.He said that through the “House of the Himalayas,” the state’s local products are being provided a new identity and market. The state’s women are producing high-quality products with limited resources. Interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh have been arranged to economically empower self-help groups. Women are being encouraged to pursue self-employment and entrepreneurship through training, financial assistance, and market connections.The Chief Minister said that providing employment to youth through a transparent system is the government’s priority. Strict anti-cheating laws have been implemented to prevent irregularities in recruitment examinations. More than 100 people involved in irregularities have been arrested. In the last few years, approximately 35,000 youth have been appointed to government services. He said that in addition to government jobs, youth are also being encouraged to pursue self-employment, startups, and entrepreneurship.The Chief Minister stated that the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority has been implemented in the state. Its objective is to connect children with modern, quality, and employment-oriented education. Providing every child with equal opportunities for modern knowledge, science, technical education, and skill development is the government’s priority.Referring to preparations for the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027, the Chief Minister said that arrangements are being made based on suggestions from saints, Akharas, religious organizations, and other stakeholders. The government’s effort is to provide better facilities to devotees from India and abroad and to ensure a safe, well-organized, grand, and divine Kumbh event.Describing unplanned development and climate change as major challenges for Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister emphasized that ecology and economy must complement each other. Given the sensitivity of the Himalayan regions, scientific assessments of the carrying capacity of various areas are being conducted. Scientific monitoring and surveys of glaciers and glacial lakes are also being advanced.He said that development should not be limited to large projects, but that its benefits should reach the last person in society. In the journey of development, it is equally important to preserve Uttarakhand’s culture, identity, and uniqueness as Devbhoomi.Present on the occasion were Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, MP Ajay Bhatt, MLAs Banshidhar Bhagat, Suresh Gadiya, Shiv Arora, and Pratap Bisht, Mayor Haldwani-Kathgodam Gajraj Singh Bisht, Mayor Kashipur Deepak Bali, Dainik Jagran Editor Vijay Singh Yadav, Executive Editor Vishnu Tripathi, State Editor Manoj Jha, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, IG Kumaon Nivedita Kukreti, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Raiyal, and Senior Superintendent of Police Manjunath T.C., along with other dignitaries.