Dehradun, 15 Nov: Under the leadership of consultant Jacob J Simonsen, members of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a meeting with Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh at the Secretariat, here, on Thursday.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary sought cooperation from UNDP pertaining to technical support and skilled human resources for the schemes implemented in the state in the field of waste management projects, sustainable development partnership, livelihood, solar, wind power, micro-hydel project, health and drinking water. The Chief Secretary said that adequate income sources were available and, to increase them, there was need for technical assistance from UNDP. He sought utilisation of UNDP’s experience in the state regarding the work done by it in different countries in the area of climate change. Chief Secretary also sought technical assistance from UNDP in the Waste Management Projects of the state.
Consultant Simonsen spoke about providing technical support of UNDP to Uttarakhand in the fields of tourism, climate change, disaster management, aromatic plants, small scale industries, self-help groups, branding of products, livelihood security, etc. Additional Country Director, UNDP, Dr Rakesh Kumar said that in the field of Climate Challenges, necessary efforts would be made by UNDP in coordination with the Forest Department. He talked about giving support in the branding of the state products on the lines of Haryana in the field of livelihood and providing assistance for the Waste Management Project.
Additional Chief Secretary Radha Raturi provided information on various welfare schemes implemented in the state for women empowerment and child development. To make these schemes more effective, she expected technical support from UNDP.
Principal Secretary, Rural Development, Manisha Panwar drew the attention of UNDP to capacity development in the livelihood programme implemented in rural areas. She said there were adequate opportunities for employment and economic development of rural youth in wool related projects. She expected technical cooperation in this area.
Secretary, Power, Radhika Jha sought technical assistance for small hydro power projects, solar and wind power projects. She desired cooperation from UNDP particularly in the power transmission sector.
UNDP’s consultant BP Pandey, Timor-Leste, Country Director Claudia Providas, Secretary, Finance, Amit Negi, Secretary, Health, Nitesh Jha, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Additional Secretary, Planning, Ranjit Sinha were present at the meeting.
