Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 14 Aug: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Uttarakhand on the eve of Independence Day and paid tribute to freedom fighters, martyrs, valiant women and state agitators. He lauded the contribution of the people of Uttarakhand to the development of both the state and the nation, describing their spirit and dedication as invaluable.
Acknowledging the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters, Dhami expressed deep sympathy for families affected by recent calamities in places such as Dharali and Uttarkashi this year. At the same time, he also appreciated the timely and dedicated relief efforts of the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and state government agencies, which he stated were carried out under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Proudly referring to the state’s military traditions, he reminded that the ex-gratia amount for families of martyred soldiers had been increased to Rs 50 lakhs, while financial assistance for Param Vir Chakra awardees had been raised from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crores. The CM added that a policy is being framed to provide 10 percent horizontal reservation in jobs for Agniveers.
Presenting his vision for Uttarakhand’s future before the people of Uttarakhand, Dhami claimed that the state has emerged as a frontrunner in development, moving swiftly in line with the Prime Minister’s expectations. He reminded that Uttarakhand has become the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Projects worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crores are underway, he asserted. Stressing on the preservation of the cultural heritage of ‘Devbhoomi’, he also detailed ongoing initiatives such as the Yamuna pilgrimage site in Haripur Kalsi, the Haridwar-Rishikesh Corridor, the Sharda Corridor and the Manaskhand Temple Mission, which is aimed to revive and reconstruct 16 ancient temples in its first phase. He also mentioned the establishment of a Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University for advanced research in Indian culture, philosophy and history recently and noted that Uttarakhand is also leading in the implementation of the new National Education Policy.
On economic growth, Dhami said that over 30 new policies have been introduced to incentivise industrial expansion. During the recent Investors’ Summit, MoUs worth Rs 3.56 lakh crores have been signed with national and international entrepreneurs, with grounding of projects exceeding Rs 1 lakh crores already completed, which he claimed would generate employment for over 81,000 persons. He also asserted that 35,000 people have found self-employment through the Mukhyamantri Swarozgar Yojana. Programmes such as the Mukhyamantri Seemant Kshetra Vikas Yojana and the Vibrant Village Programme are advancing development in border areas. The launch of the umbrella brand ‘House of Himalayas’ is giving local products national and international exposure, alongside promotion of aromatic farming and missions for apple, kiwi and dragon fruit cultivation.
Regarding governance in the state, the CM reminded that stricter laws have been enacted to curb forced and mass religious conversions, and over 7,000 acres of government land has been freed from encroachment in a major drive. A stringent ‘Land Law’ has been implemented to safeguard public interest. He also referred to the enactment of the country’s toughest anti-copying legislation and action against ‘Nakal Mafia’, ensuring recruitment processes are transparent and timebound. More than 24,000 government jobs have been filled over the past four years. Efforts to advance renewable energy include drafting a new solar policy and the development of 1,000 ‘solar villages’.
Dhami asserted that Uttarakhand is emerging as a preferred destination for weddings and film shoots, with improved management of pilgrimages enabling 42 lakh devotees to visit the Char Dham Yatra this year. The state had also commenced the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and was promoting winter tourism. On healthcare, he claimed that the Ayushman Yojana’s benefits are being extended to all, with a free diagnostics scheme covering 207 types of pathological tests, and two new medical colleges established in the past three years.
In respect of social welfare, the CM said the state has provided 30 percent horizontal reservation to women in government jobs and 33 percent reservation in cooperative societies. Schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Nari Sashaktikaran Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana are enhancing women’s empowerment, with interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for women’s Self-Help Groups. Pensions for state agitators has been increased, and 10 percent horizontal reservation offered to their eligible dependants. The Antyodaya Nishulk Gas Refill Yojana is also providing three free gas cylinder refills annually to eligible families.
On this occasion, Dhami urged the citizens to take a pledge on Independence Day to dedicate themselves to the nation’s comprehensive development, prioritising national interest and working towards the vision of a developed India. He called upon everyone to contribute to making Uttarakhand a model, leading and progressive state.
