Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 15 Sep: Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd) completed five years as the Governor of Uttarakhand, today. Since assuming office on 15 September 2021, the Governor has undertaken several significant initiatives with a focus on the development and welfare of the people of the state.
At the beginning of his tenure, he identified five key missions—reverse migration, women’s empowerment and girls’ education, artificial intelligence and technology, organic and natural farming, and wellness. Over the past five years, these priorities have been linked with education, research, technology, healthcare, youth, women’s empowerment and public participation through several innovative initiatives.
Effective Steps for Reforms in Higher Education
As Chancellor, the Governor has taken several steps to promote quality, transparency, research and innovation in higher education. He launched initiatives such as ‘One University-One Research’, with special emphasis on taking research beyond academic activities and ensuring its practical application on the ground.
To promote transparency and the use of technology in higher education, the Uttarakhand College Affiliation Portal was developed, making the affiliation process for colleges and institutions online and time-bound. Video recording of interactions during the selection process for Vice-Chancellors was also introduced to ensure greater transparency.
To facilitate better communication and exchange of achievements among universities, ‘University Connect Uttarakhand’ and the ‘Unisangam’ mobile application for private universities were launched. For the first time, private universities were brought together on a common platform, creating a mechanism for regular dialogue to strengthen their contribution to the development of the state.
New Initiatives in Technology and Artificial Intelligence
The Governor has regarded Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an important tool for the development of Uttarakhand and has consistently worked towards integrating it into the functioning of Lok Bhavan as well as sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism and social development.
At Lok Bhavan, Dehradun, several technology-driven systems—including an AI-based smart automation system, e-Pass, online management system, library management system, digital dashboard and e-Office—have been developed. These initiatives have made the functioning of Lok Bhavan more transparent, modern and efficient.
A virtual tour of the Lok Bhavan was also developed to digitally connect people with the institution. Through the virtual tour, people can explore various features of the Lok Bhavan complex, including the Bonsai Garden, Nakshatra Vatika, Raj Pragyeshwar Mahadev Temple, Arogyadham, Rajlakshmi Gaushala and the library.
To ensure transparency and accountability in the assets of Lok Bhavan, Dehradun and Nainital, an Inventory Management System was developed and barcodes were placed on items.
The ‘Gargi Nari Shakti’ AI chatbot is an innovative initiative aimed at providing women with information related to legal assistance, careers, financial literacy, safety and healthcare. Similarly, through the ‘Eternal Guru’ AI chatbot, efforts have been made to make the teachings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the spiritual message of Gurbani accessible to people through technology.
With the launch of the ‘Uttarakhand AI Mission-2025’, an important step was taken towards linking AI with the development needs of the state. Subsequently, initiatives such as ‘AI for All’ sought to connect university and college students with modern AI education and employment-oriented training.
In the same direction, ‘Operation Saathi’, ‘Aarohi Incubator’ and an AI Theme Room were launched. Through Operation Saathi, the talent and ideas of students, youth, researchers, women entrepreneurs, farmers, self-help groups and local innovators are being identified across all 13 districts of the state.
The Aarohi Incubator is emerging as a platform to connect these ideas with mentorship, research, investment and startup opportunities. The AI Theme Room seeks to bring AI and technological innovations closer to the people.
Reaching Youth and Border Areas
Over the past five years, the Governor has visited all districts of the state on several occasions, holding meetings with officials and interacting with local residents. Special attention has been given to border areas and Vibrant Villages. Of the 51 Vibrant Villages in the state, the Governor has visited 30.
During these visits, he interacted with local residents, youth and ex-servicemen to understand their needs, challenges and potential. Activities such as national integration, goodwill initiatives and educational tours have also been encouraged to connect young talent with nation-building, strengthen respect for the armed forces and ex-servicemen, and provide students with exposure to different parts of the country.
Women’s Empowerment and Girls’ Education
Women’s empowerment and girls’ education have remained among the Governor’s key priorities. The establishment of a Girls’ Self-Defence and Computer Training Centre at Lok Bhavan is an important initiative in this direction.
The objective is to provide girls with self-defence skills, digital education and skills required for future employment opportunities. Emphasis has also been placed on empowering women and promoting self-reliance through programmes related to women’s entrepreneurship, financial literacy, healthcare, safety and leadership.
The AI-based ‘Gargi Nari Shakti’ initiative further connects these efforts with technology.
Health Awareness and Public Participation from Lok Bhavan
The Governor has actively participated in the TB-Free India campaign and personally became a Nikshay Mitra to support TB patients. Under his guidance, a large number of Nikshay Mitras have been connected with the campaign. The Governor himself has supported 93 TB patients as their Nikshay Mitra.
Various awareness programmes and seminars on public-interest issues—including TB, mental health, breast cancer, arthritis, Ayurveda, Marma therapy, financial literacy and tax literacy—have been organised at Lok Bhavan.
As part of efforts to promote wellness, Arogyadham was established within the Lok Bhavan complex, offering facilities such as Panchakarma, Marma therapy and physiotherapy. Efforts have been made to promote health and wellness through a combination of traditional knowledge and modern technology.
Initiatives towards a Green Lok Bhavan
Several initiatives have been undertaken at Lok Bhavan to promote environmental conservation, including rainwater harvesting. Arrangements have been made for the conservation and saving of approximately 200 kilolitres of water through rainwater harvesting.
Along with increasing green cover, efforts have also been made to spread awareness about water conservation. The foundation for the construction of multipurpose buildings at Lok Bhavan marks an important step towards creating a more efficient and effective working environment.
These green buildings are being constructed with modern facilities while keeping environmental conservation and traditional hill architecture in mind.
Bringing together spiritual, natural and cultural heritage, ‘Nakshatra Vatika’ has been established with 27 plants associated with the 27 Nakshatras. The Bonsai Garden at Lok Bhavan has also been expanded, with more than 500 plants being preserved.
With the establishment of a Gaushala, the values of Indian culture and environmental conservation have also been integrated into the Lok Bhavan campus.
Resolution of Public Grievances and Special Sensitivity towards Soldiers
A Grievance Redressal Officer has been appointed at Lok Bhavan to address the issues of ex-servicemen and their dependents. From time to time, Janata Milan programmes have also been organised, during which the Governor personally listens to people’s grievances and directs concerned officials to take appropriate action.
Regular meetings have been held with the heads of Central Government institutions located in the state to establish better coordination. These efforts have sought to connect the expertise and resources of central institutions with the development of Uttarakhand.
Regular family interaction programmes have also been organised for officers and employees working at Lok Bhavan, providing an opportunity to hear their personal and professional concerns. Personnel who have performed exceptionally well have been felicitated, strengthening the spirit of teamwork within the institution.
From Resolve and Innovation towards Transformation
The five-year journey of Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd) reflects a strong emphasis not only on his constitutional responsibilities but also on service, dialogue, technology, innovation and public participation.
Keeping in view the geographical and social conditions of Uttarakhand, numerous initiatives have been undertaken across diverse areas—from education to AI, research to startups, healthcare to wellness, women’s empowerment to youth talent, and environmental conservation to border areas.
The overarching objective of the Governor’s five-year journey has been to transform the talent, resources and potential of Uttarakhand into powerful drivers of the state’s development, enabling Devbhoomi Uttarakhand to play a distinctive role in the journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047.
