Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the state’s 26th Foundation Day celebrations at the Assembly premises in Bhararisain (Gairsain) on Monday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a strong, prosperous and self-reliant Uttarakhand. On the occasion, the Chief Minister extended his greetings to the people of the state and paid tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of the Uttarakhand statehood movement activists. He also paid homage to soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation, expressed condolences to families affected by natural disasters, and remembered former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his instrumental role in the creation of Uttarakhand. Focus on Infrastructure, Connectivity and Border Development Highlighting Uttarakhand’s development journey over the past 26 years, Dhami said the state government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is working towards making the third decade of the 21st century the “Decade of Uttarakhand.” He highlighted several major infrastructure projects, including the Char Dham Road Project, Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Project, and proposed ropeway projects to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib. These initiatives are expected to strengthen connectivity, promote tourism and facilitate pilgrimage. Under the Vibrant Villages Programme, nearly 200 development projects are being implemented across 51 border villages. Healthcare and Education Receive Special Attention The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of a Cancer Institute in Haldwani and an AIIMS satellite centre in Kichha. He stated that more than 63 lakh Ayushman Bharat health cards have been issued under the Atal Ayushman Yojana. In the education sector, virtual classrooms have been introduced in approximately 1,300 government schools, while 226 schools have been developed under the PM SHRI scheme. Employment Opportunities and Women’s Empowerment Emphasising transparency in recruitment, Dhami said the implementation of a stringent anti-cheating law has strengthened the recruitment system in the state. He announced that more than 35,000 young people have secured government jobs over the past five years. The government has also provided 30% reservation for women in government employment and 33% reservation in cooperative management committees. More than three lakh women in Uttarakhand have achieved Lakhpati Didi status through various self-employment and livelihood initiatives. Welfare Measures for Soldiers and Statehood Activists The Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives aimed at honouring soldiers and supporting their families. The ex-gratia assistance for the families of soldiers who attain martyrdom has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Construction of the Sainik Dham is also nearing completion. Additionally, 10% horizontal reservation has been provided to statehood movement activists and their dependents, while provisions have been made for Agniveers in designated uniformed services. Dhami also noted that Uttarakhand athletes brought pride to the state by winning 103 medals at the 38th National Games. Uttarakhand’s Economy Records Significant Growth Highlighting the state’s economic progress, the Chief Minister said Uttarakhand’s economy has expanded from approximately ₹2.55 lakh crore in 2022 to nearly ₹3.82 lakh crore. The state budget has also crossed ₹1.11 lakh crore. He further noted that Uttarakhand secured the first position in the NITI Aayog Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023-24. The Chief Minister described the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, a stringent land law and the anti-cheating law as significant decisions taken in the public interest. 13 Major Announcements on State Foundation Day In a significant announcement during the celebrations, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled 13 initiatives focusing on social welfare, employment, digital infrastructure, women’s empowerment and the concerns of statehood activists. The key announcements include: Increase in Anganwadi Workers’ Honorarium: The honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers will be increased with effect from December 1, 2026. Higher Honorarium for ASHA Workers and Mid-Day Meal Cooks: The honorarium of ASHA workers and Bhojan Matas will also be increased from December 1, 2026. Financial Support for Lakhpati Didis: Women who have achieved Lakhpati Didi status will receive financial incentives in two instalments to expand their existing businesses and establish new self-employment ventures. Additional Assistance for Wildlife Attack Victims: People injured in wildlife attacks will receive additional financial assistance for expensive medical procedures, including plastic surgery, beyond the existing compensation. Modern Digital Libraries: Two modern digital libraries and reading rooms will be established in municipal areas outside the district headquarters in every district. Power Grid Connectivity: All revenue villages currently receiving electricity through alternative arrangements will be connected to the power grid. Simplified Land Purchase for NRIs and Migrants: The process of purchasing land will be simplified for migrants from Uttarakhand who wish to invest in the state. Strengthening the Apuni Sarkar Portal: The Apuni Sarkar initiative will be made more accessible and effective in every district to ensure doorstep delivery of government services, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and residents of remote areas. Waiver of Electricity Bill Surcharge: Delayed payment surcharges on electricity bills will be waived for small farmers and electricity consumers. Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman: Late folk artists Gopal Babu Goswami and Chandra Singh Rahi will be honoured with the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman for their outstanding contributions to preserving the state’s folk culture and regional languages. Increase in Guest Teachers’ Honorarium: The honorarium of guest teachers working in the state will be increased soon. Cabinet Committee for Statehood Activists: A cabinet committee will be constituted to address the demands and concerns of statehood movement activists. It will examine matters including relaxation in identification rules, dual pension provisions and certificates for dependents. Positive Action on Pending Statehood Activist Cases: Positive action will be taken in eligible cases involving statehood activists appointed during 2013-14 that fall within the scope of the relevant Act. Statehood Activists, Achievers and Beneficiaries Honoured During the ceremony, the Chief Minister felicitated statehood movement activists and the family members of renowned folk singer Late Gopal Babu Goswami by presenting them with shawls. He also inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute. The parade was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Trivendra Singh Rana and featured contingents from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), women Home Guards, women police personnel and the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Individuals who demonstrated excellence in agriculture, horticulture, entrepreneurship and sports were also recognised. Beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes received financial assistance and awards. In the agriculture and horticulture sectors, Jawahar Singh, Geeta Devi, Vandana Devi, Mohan Singh and Anand Singh were provided grants. Under the Mission Kiwi initiative, Anand Singh and Gambhir Singh received cheques of ₹2.10 lakh each, while Dayal Singh received ₹4.20 lakh. Jagdish Singh was provided ₹2 lakh for constructing a mushroom hut. Under various Industry Department schemes, financial subsidies were awarded to Yogendra Singh (₹1 lakh), Trilok Singh (₹1,48,611), Rajeshwar Singh (₹2,07,500) and Himanshu Singh (₹1.50 lakh). Self-help groups received assistance of ₹4 lakh each for Farm Machinery Banks. Farmers were also recognised through Power Weeder subsidies and the Kisan Bhushan and Kisan Shri awards. Beneficiaries of the Mahalakshmi Kit, Lakhpati Didi and Atal Awas Yojana were also honoured. Outstanding sports personalities, including Arushi Negi, Mahek Rawat and Harshvardhan Bisht, received recognition for their achievements. “Developed Uttarakhand Is a Collective Vision” Concluding his address, Chief Minister Dhami said that the vision of a developed Uttarakhand is a collective commitment shared by every resident of the state. He reiterated that the government remains committed to public welfare, employment generation, infrastructure development and the preservation of Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage, folk traditions and regional languages. The 26th Foundation Day celebrations reflected the state’s development aspirations while honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its creation. The 13 announcements are expected to further strengthen the government’s focus on inclusive growth, social welfare and sustainable development.
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