By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 22 Mar: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed a press conference at his official residence, here on Saturday on the occasion of the third anniversary of the government. During the interaction with the media persons, the CM asserted that the government’s crackdown on corruption, encroachment and illegal occupation will continue with full force. He also clarified that the action against encroachments or illegal activities is not targeted at any particular community. He said that in these three years in office, the government did face numerous challenges, but the government faced them head-on, standing firmly with the people. He asserted that Uttarakhand is progressing in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, and claimed that this decade will undoubtedly belong to the state.
During the interaction, Dhami also spoke about the government’s achievements and future priorities. He recalled that in 2022, political analysts had predicted that the BJP government would not return to power, as no such precedent existed in the state. However, the people blessed the party once again, entrusting it with the responsibility to govern.
Pushkar Singh Dhami also conceded that in the last three years, the state faced several challenges, but his government tackled them proactively on the ground. He cited disasters in Raini, Silkarya, and Kedar Valley as well as the recent avalanche incident in Mana as some of the challenges and added that the leadership cannot afford to remain silent during crises.
The Chief Minister claimed that Uttarakhand is fully committed to playing a vital role in the developed India that the Prime Minister envisions for 2047. Referring to the expansion of connectivity in the state, he provided several examples, emphasising that Uttarakhand is assessing its capabilities and making the necessary arrangements accordingly. He assured that the campaign against illegal construction, encroachments and unlawful occupations will persist with greater intensity but this is not targeted at any community and also asserted that stricter actions will be taken against corruption.
Discussing crucial legislation, including the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), land law, anti-copying law, and anti-riot measures, Dhami claimed that his government does not believe in delaying or postponing important matters. Decisions have been taken boldly on significant issues. He highlighted welfare measures for women, such as the Lakhpati Didi scheme and the 30 per cent reservation for women. Additionally, 10 per cent horizontal reservation has been ensured for agitators, and efforts have been made to connect migrants with the state through the conference of migrant Uttarakhandis.
Dhami also expressed satisfaction that Uttarakhand has ranked 13th in the country in terms of per capita income, calling it a positive indicator of progress. He noted the far-reaching benefits the state has gained from hosting the Global Investors Summit and G-20 meetings. He also emphasised that Uttarakhand’s first-place ranking in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) index is a significant achievement.
The Chief Minister claimed that the state’s annual budget crossing Rs 1 lakh crore in its silver jubilee year reflects that, despite challenges, Uttarakhand is moving on the right path. He also mentioned preparations for upcoming major events, including the Kumbh Mela in 2027 and the Nanda Rajjat Yatra thereafter.
In response to a question by Garhwal Post, Dhami claimed that Uttarakhand was rapidly becoming a favoured destination for film making. He said that while several states are trying to attract film makers to make films in their state, Uttarakhand has emerged as one of the most favoured destinations for film shooting and reminded that Uttarakhand had also won an award for being best film friendly state.
Referring to the success of the National Games, he acknowledged the Prime Minister’s unprecedented contribution to tourism development by visiting multiple locations in Uttarakhand, including the Char Dham Yatra and the winter Yatra.
On this occasion, MLAs Khajan Das, Mahant Dilip Rawat, Rajkumar Pori, and Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari were among those present.
