CM attends Central Zonal Council Meeting chaired by Home Minister
Garhwal Post Bureau
Varanasi, 24 Jun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 25th Central Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Varanasi today. Also present in the meeting were Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, CM of MP, Mohan Yadav, CM of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, and several other ministers.
Speaking on this occasion, Dhami stressed on the strategic importance of Uttarakhand due to its international borders and sought improved infrastructure in these sensitive areas. He appealed for enhanced Central support through the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and called for the development of border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme to stem migration. He also sought the rollout of BharatNet, expansion of 4G networks, and satellite-based communication systems in remote regions.
The CM very significantly urged the central government to allow policy flexibility in norms for various schemes in Uttarakhand’s interest and also sought one-time financial grants for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and support for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He proposed the establishment of a Glacier Study Centre and a Biodiversity Conservation Institute to address climate and ecological challenges.
Recalling the meeting about Uttarakhand’s potential for adventure tourism, Dhami also sought assistance in setting up of an International Adventure Sports Training Centre. He further urged financial support for the successful holding of the Nanda Rajjat Yatra (2026) and Kumbh Mela (2027).
The CM pointed out that despite 80 percent of the state being mountainous and 71 percent covered by forests, limiting economic opportunities in the state, Uttarakhand’s economy had grown 1.5 times. In the 2023-24 SDG Index of NITI Aayog, the state secured the top position, and in the Care Edge Rating Report, it ranked second in good governance and financial management among smaller states.
Dhami further emphasised ongoing reforms such as implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and various legislative measures addressing mass conversions, riots, and land use. He reminded that through ‘Vocal for Local’, skill-building, heritage promotion, and youth empowerment schemes, over three lakh young people have been linked to self-employment avenues.
Positioning the state as an Ayush and Wellness hub, Dhami announced India’s first Yoga Policy and the creation of two Spiritual Economic Zones to promote traditional medicine and spiritual tourism. He also acknowledged continued support from the Central Government in translating these efforts into reality.
The CM also remarked that the Zonal Council meetings have effectively addressed key inter-state and national concerns, noting that under the current leadership, India is progressing confidently towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.
