Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone in Dehradun for various development projects worth more than Rs 8,140 crore, including the inauguration of projects worth more than Rs 930 crore and the foundation stone laying of projects worth over Rs 7,210 crore. The occasion was the state level celebration of the Silver Jubilee of Uttarakhand state’s formation. Formation day celebrations and the Prime Minister should come more often!
The projects inaugurated by PM Modi relate to key sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, technical education, energy, urban development, sports, and skill development. This indicates the present focus on the direction the state needs to take. On the occasion, the Prime Minister acknowledged the state’s success story, reminding that, at the time of its formation, the state’s budget was Rs 4,000 crore; today, it has crossed Rs one lakh crore. Electricity production in Uttarakhand has increased four times, and the length of roads in Uttarakhand has doubled. At the exhibition put up on the occasion showcasing glimpses of Uttarakhand’s journey over the past 25 years, he mentioned the success in various sectors such as infrastructure, education, industry, tourism, health, power, and rural development.
Considering the fact of the existence of the double-engine BJP government in the state, it is hoped that his reiteration of the priorities will have been noted by the state, district and municipal governments so that they can all function in accord. These included reinforcing Uttarakhand as a pilgrimage centre by working on making it the “world’s spiritual centre”. His emphasis on developing the Vibrant Villages under tourism promotion establishes the need to spread it beyond the traditional destinations, with local food, culture, fairs, festivals, and nature being made the primary attraction. Those returning to the state can develop homestays, wedding destinations, adventure activities, etc. Promoting Horticulture as an added source of income for hill farmers was another aspect he highlighted. Shooting of films in the backdrop of nature’s beauty also has enormous potential.
It is obvious that considering this record of achievements over a relatively short time, the Modi Government feels encouraged to further boost development in the state in every way it can. Uttarakhand must continue to work on retaining this confidence by ensuring that the usual problems, such as systemic corruption, poorly regulated development activities, poor quality works, inefficiency, do not get in the way of the desired progress. With this it can pay the PM back by adding to India’s overall progress.
