By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 9 May: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami today emphasised the importance of sensitivity, dedication, and simplification in governance, urging government employees to work with responsibility and commitment in the interest of the common people. He was speaking at a programme organised by the Uttarakhand Sachivalaya Sangh at the Secretariat here today. Dhami stated that the words written by government officials are not merely administrative orders but serve as a ray of hope for citizens, especially those in remote villages. The dedication and hard work of employees, he said, are the driving force behind Uttarakhand’s progress.
The CM expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, acknowledging its unparalleled bravery in defending the nation. He reaffirmed Uttarakhand’s unwavering support for the armed forces, stating that every citizen of Veer Bhoomi Uttarakhand stands with the soldiers under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The CM laid the foundation stone for a six-storey alternative building in the Secretariat complex, aimed at modernising workspaces and improving efficiency. He described the Secretariat as the soul of the governance system, where policies are formulated for the welfare of every section of society. He praised the officers and employees as the crucial link between the government and the public, ensuring that policies reach the people effectively.
Dhami highlighted the strengthened trust and cooperation between the government and employee organisations, stating that problems are best resolved through dialogue and understanding rather than paperwork alone. He assured that the government has taken historic decisions to improve the welfare of Secretariat employees, including modernising facilities and enhancing their living standards.
The CM announced several development initiatives, including the construction of a new building, allocation of Rs 3 crore for furniture and computers, renovation of the Secretariat Union Building, beautification of the canteen, and improvement of the badminton court. A parking facility for 70 cars has also been constructed to address space constraints.
He shared that to prioritise employee health, the government has established a blood collection centre offering 270 free tests, an air-conditioned crèche, and a physiotherapy centre. Women employees now receive two years of statutory child care leave (CCL), and Rs 25 lakhs has been sanctioned for the Employee Welfare Fund. Additionally, the corporate salary package now includes free insurance benefits.
Dhami stressed the importance of digital governance, ensuring timely promotions, increasing retirement gratuity from Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs, and implementing e-governance systems such as the File Moving Management System to eliminate delays. The digital service book initiative is progressing rapidly, and efforts are underway to make the Secretariat paperless.
The CM reaffirmed his commitment to making Uttarakhand the best state in the country, ensuring efficient governance and public welfare through modernisation and transparency.
Also present on the occasion included MLA Khajan Das, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Secretary Dipendra Kumar Chaudhary, Vinod Kumar Suman, military officers, and Secretariat personnel.
