Garhwal Post Bureau
New Delhi, 11 Jun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented Uttarakhand’s development roadmap at the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today. On this occasion, the CM emphasised the need for special policy support and long-term financial arrangements for Himalayan states in areas such as climate change, ecological conservation and disaster management.
Addressing the meeting, Dhami said that the foundation of the Viksit Bharat-2047 vision rests on the nation’s human capital. In line with this approach, the Uttarakhand Government is placing special emphasis on human resource development, quality education, skill development, innovation and youth empowerment. The CM asserted that the state government has introduced several reforms ranging from early childhood education to higher education. Thousands of Anganwadi centres in the state have been equipped with modern facilities, while the schools are being strengthened through smart classrooms, virtual classrooms and skill-based education. He also claimed that efforts are also being made to promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship in higher educational institutions so that young people become job creators rather than job seekers.
Highlighting the importance of skill development, Dhami noted that India has immense opportunities in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, cyber security, data science and semiconductor technology. He added that, to harness these opportunities, the state has launched initiatives such as the Devbhoomi Entrepreneurship Development Scheme, start-up promotion programmes, industry-academia collaborations and the development of ITIs as Centres of Excellence. Dhami also claimed that the state government is moving forward with the mantra of “Viksit Uttarakhand for Viksit Bharat” and has introduced more than 30 new policies in recent years to create an integrated development model encompassing agriculture, industry, tourism, energy and the services sector. The positive impact of these initiatives is reflected in the state’s economy, investment inflows, employment generation and per capita income, he added.
The CM further mentioned that the state government is working to develop natural farming, horticulture, medicinal plants, yoga and wellness, tourism and green energy as future growth engines. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to establish Uttarakhand as a national model for a knowledge-based economy, wellness economy and sustainable development. He noted that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has been entrusted with the responsibility of preserving, promoting and carrying forward the country’s environmental and spiritual heritage. The Himalayas, the Ganga, the Yamuna and the state’s vast forest cover are not merely the heritage of Uttarakhand but invaluable national assets. Seeking central support, the CM stressed that special policy support and long-term financial arrangements for Himalayan states on issues related to climate change, ecological conservation, disaster management, carbon neutrality, green energy and mountain infrastructure development are essential in the present context.
Dhami also reminded the NITI Aayog regarding Uttarakhand’s ‘achievements’ in governance reforms and technological innovation. He said that the initiatives such as the Devbhoomi Family Identity Scheme, digital monitoring systems in the mining sector, online simplification of land-use conversion procedures and reforms aimed at women’s empowerment have enhanced transparency and efficiency in governance. He added that Uttarakhand is making significant progress in the renewable energy sector, with innovations such as pine needle-based energy generation contributing both to environmental conservation and local employment generation.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the CM added that, under the leadership of PM Modi, India is steadily progressing towards achieving the goals of Amrit Kaal and further strengthening its position among the world’s leading powers. He assured that Uttarakhand would continue to contribute to this national mission with full commitment, energy and capability.
Congratulating Modi on completing a record 12-year tenure in office, Dhami said the PM has created a landmark in India’s democratic history by continuously receiving the people’s mandate and dedicating himself to national service. On the occasion, he also invited the PM and all the members of NITI Aayog to attend the Kumbh Mela and the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra scheduled to be held in Uttarakhand next year.
