Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 'Jagran Vimarsh-Uttarakhand: Hopes and Challenges' program organized by Dainik Jagran in Haldwani on Friday by lighting the lamp. On this occasion, the Chief Minister expressed his views on the state's development journey, achievements, possibilities and future challenges.
The Chief Minister said that development is a continuous process and the needs and challenges of development also keep changing with time. The budget of Uttarakhand, which started from about ₹ 4 thousand crore at the time of state formation, has today reached about ₹ 1.11 lakh crore. The state has made remarkable progress in various sectors including roads, health, education, tourism, energy, agriculture and horticulture.
Emerging as a film destination
The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand is fast emerging as a major tourism and film destination. The number of home-stays in the state has increased by about 50 percent in the last few years. The per capita income of the state has also registered an increase of about 41 percent. Uttarakhand and Kerala jointly stood first in the SDG India Index 2023-24.
Encouraged for self-employment and entrepreneurship
He said that through 'House of Himalayas' the local products of the state are being provided a new identity and market. The mother power of the state is producing high quality products with limited resources. To financially empower the self-help groups, a provision of interest-free loan up to ₹ 5 lakh has been made. Women are being encouraged for self-employment and entrepreneurship through training, financial assistance and linking them to the market.
Anti-copying law implemented
The Chief Minister said that it is the priority of the government to provide employment to the youth through a transparent system. Strict anti-cheating law was implemented to prevent irregularities in recruitment examinations. Arrest action has been taken against more than 100 people involved in irregularities. In the last few years, about 35 thousand youth have got appointment in government services. He said that along with government jobs, the youth are also being encouraged to move forward in the fields of self-employment, startup and entrepreneurship.
The Chief Minister said that the system of Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority has been implemented in the state. Its objective is to connect children with modern, quality and employment-oriented education. It is the priority of the government to provide equal opportunities for modern knowledge, science, technical education and skill development to every child.
Better facilities available to devotees
Referring to the preparations for Haridwar Kumbh Mela-2027, the Chief Minister said that arrangements are being made on the basis of suggestions from Sant Samaj, Akharas, religious organizations and other stakeholders. The government's effort is to ensure that better facilities are available to the devotees coming from India and abroad and that the Kumbh is organized in a safe, well-organised, grand and divine manner.
Ecology and economy should complement each other
Describing unplanned development and climate change as a big challenge for Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister said that ecology and economy should complement each other. Keeping in view the sensitivity of the Himalayan regions, a scientific assessment of the carrying capacity of various areas is being conducted. Scientific monitoring and survey of glaciers and glacial lakes is also being carried forward.
He said that development should not be limited only to big projects, but its benefits should reach the people standing at the last end of the society. In the journey of development, it is equally important to preserve the culture, identity and uniqueness of Devbhoomi of Uttarakhand.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Shri Ram Singh Kaida, MP Ajay Bhatt, MLA Banshidhar Bhagat, Suresh Gadiya, Shiv Arora and Pratap Bisht, Mayor Haldwani-Kathgodam Shri Gajraj Singh Bisht, Mayor Kashipur Deepak Bali, Editor of Dainik Jagran Vijay Singh Yadav, Executive Editor Vishnu Tripathi, State Editor Manoj Jha, Commissioner Kumaon Deepak Rawat, IG Kumaon Ms. Nivedita Kukreti, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal and Senior Superintendent of Police Shri Manjunath T.C. Including other dignitaries were present.