U’khand CM attends 5th Session of “Shabdotsav” – “Dharmarakshak Dhami”
Garhwal Post Bureau
New Delhi, 4 Jan: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the fifth session, titled “Dharmarakshak Dhami”, of the “Shabdotsav” programme held at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, here, today. On this occasion, the Chief Minister shared his views on various issues related to the state.
Dhami stated that the state government is firmly committed to strengthening the original cultural identity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, promoting social harmony, and ensuring a lawful and transparent governance system. He said that strict action has been taken against groups involved in organised illegal encroachment on government land. Under this campaign, more than 10,000 acres of government land have been freed from illegal occupation so far.
About education reforms, the Chief Minister said that from 1 July, 2026, only those madrasas will be allowed to operate which follow the curriculum prescribed by the State Education Board. Keeping in mind the quality of education, transparency, and the future of children, more than 250 madrasas that were not complying with rules and standards have already been closed. He clarified that this decision is not aimed at targeting any group, but is intended to provide quality education and equal opportunities to every child in line with the National Education Policy. He emphasised that no form of radical mindset will be allowed to flourish in the state and that institutions of learning will be strengthened.
On questions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Chief Minister said that the issue is not limited to voter lists alone, but is also connected to transparency and financial management of various state schemes. Citing an example, he said that under the Ayushman scheme, expenditure was found to be significantly higher than estimates, highlighting the need for proper verification. He pointed out that verification of ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and voter IDs has already begun in the state, and its purpose is not to target any particular section, but to streamline the system.
Commenting on the theme “Dharmarakshak Dhami”, the Chief Minister said that all actions taken by the state government are completely within the framework of law. Nearly 600 illegal structures have been removed so far, none of which were found to have any valid legal basis. He said that attempts to illegally encroach on government land have been dealt with firmly. Protecting the sanctity and original character of Devbhoomi, he said, is both his priority and personal resolve.
Referring to the upcoming Assembly elections, the Chief Minister said that both the party organisation and the government are working continuously and actively. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several historic decisions have been taken in Uttarakhand. He described the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, anti-cheating law, anti-riot law, anti-conversion law, and the abolition of the Madrasa Board with the introduction of a new Act as major achievements.
The Chief Minister said that numerous development schemes of the Central and State Governments are currently being implemented in the state. He highlighted that Uttarakhand has secured first place in the country in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index released by NITI Aayog. The state has also been placed in the “Achievers” category in Ease of Doing Business, ranked second in the State Mining Readiness Index by the Government of India, and recognised as a top achiever in the Single Window System.
Highlighting achievements in the tourism sector, the Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has received national awards for Best Wildlife Destination and Best Adventure Destination. In the National Tourism Awards 2024, Jakhol, Harsil, Gunji, and Supi villages were declared the best tourism villages.
On questions related to the Manaskhand Corridor and Kalnemi, the Chief Minister said that holistic development of pilgrimage sites is being carried out in both Kedarkhand and Manaskhand regions. Projects such as the Char Dham All-Weather Road, Badrinath Master Plan, “Bhavya Kedar, Divya Kedar” project, Hemkund Sahib and Kedarnath ropeway are progressing rapidly. Under the Manaskhand Temple Mala Mission, reconstruction, beautification, and connectivity of major temples in the Kumaon region are being undertaken.
Regarding Delhi–Dehradun connectivity, the Chief Minister said that the elevated road project is almost complete, and once operational, the travel time between Delhi and Dehradun will be reduced to about 2 to 2.5 hours. He added that ring road and internal elevated road projects are also underway in Dehradun to address traffic congestion, with support from the Central Government.
The Chief Minister concluded by stating that with the right intent, firm determination, and transparent governance, the benefits of government schemes can reach the person standing at the last mile, and the state government is working with this very objective.
