5 years of stable leadership became the force of change, long pending reforms came true in Uttarakhand

Dehradun: Under the leadership of Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has made stability and reforms its identity in the last five years. The political instability that existed earlier in the state has now been replaced by continuity in policies and speedy implementation. The government says that due to this, long pending laws could be enacted and big investments could be made in infrastructure, health, education, tourism and industry.

First state to implement UC

The biggest identity of the Dhami government was the Uniform Civil Code. With this law coming into effect from January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement uniform rules for marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships. According to the government, the objective of UCC is to bring legal uniformity and gender equality. Under this, practices like child marriage, polygamy, triple talaq, Halala and Iddat are banned. The drafting committee says that this law provides the same civil structure for all citizens.

Strict law on copying

Along with this, Uttarakhand Public Examination Act was brought in 2023 after the cases of paper leaks in recruitment examinations. The government calls it the toughest anti-copying law in the country. In this, those running organized copying rackets are given life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. There is also a provision of ban on examination and jail for 10 years for the candidates.

For law and order, Property Damage Recovery Ordinance came in 2024. Under this, recovery will be made from those who damage government and private property during riots, bandhs or protests. Police expenses will also be recovered and a fine of up to Rs 8 lakh may be imposed. A special tribunal has also been formed to settle the claims.

Action on conversion law and land encroachment

Let us tell you, the anti-conversion law was made more stringent in August 2024. Now this extends to social media and messaging apps. Uttarakhand is the first state to do so. The punishment has been increased from 10 years to 14 years. In serious cases, there can be 20 years or even life imprisonment. DM has got the power to arrest without warrant and confiscate property.

Along with this, a campaign was launched against encroachment on government and forest land. In this, hundreds of illegal structures were removed and thousands of acres of land was taken back. Districts were also instructed to verify the new settlers.

Which schemes did the public benefit from? 

The government has increased the use of technology in schemes. Last year, the Labor Welfare Board gave more than Rs 93 crore to 24,000 laborers through DBT. Maternity, education and marriage assistance is reaching the accounts directly. Women are getting interest free loan up to Rs 5 lakh under Lakhpati Didi Yojana. One lakh women have crossed the income target. 33% reservation was also given in cooperative societies.

Infra, Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is almost ready, which will reduce the travel time by two and a half hours. The state has also received two Vande Bharat trains. Along with this, more than 59 lakh cards have been made under Atal Ayushman in health and 15 lakh people have taken cashless treatment.