Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Inaugurates 24th International Conference of the Indian Association of Social Science Institutions at Doon University

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 24th International Conference of the Indian Association of Social Science Institutions (IASSI) at Doon University, Dehradun, on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the conference sessions will feature meaningful discussions by eminent national and international scholars on vital subjects such as social welfare, economics, employment, industry, agriculture, technology, environment, and urbanization. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would lead to actionable insights and practical measures for effective implementation of social policies, contributing to welfare at both the state and national levels.

Highlighting India’s inclusive development approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dhami said that the country has been working with the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas.” Over the past eleven years, numerous welfare schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat have been launched to benefit every section of society, particularly those at the grassroots level.

He noted that national initiatives such as the Solar Mission, Electric Mobility, Green Hydrogen Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, Namami Gange, and Plastic-Free India Campaign have played a crucial role in environmental protection. Guided by the Prime Minister, the Uttarakhand government is also working consistently toward social justice and sustainable development.

Dhami said that his government has increased old-age pensions, extended the benefit to both spouses, and shifted pension disbursement from quarterly to monthly. Each policy decision, he added, aims to strengthen social justice across the state.

Reaffirming Uttarakhand’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the Chief Minister emphasized that the state is ensuring economic, social, and environmental stability while building a safe and just governance framework. The government has launched a three-pillar and nine-point policy to balance economy and ecology — a significant step toward achieving sustainability goals.

He also outlined ongoing initiatives in poverty eradication, food security, drinking water, sanitation, clean energy, urban development, financial inclusion, and climate change mitigation. Through schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Protsahan Yojana, Solar Energy Revolution Campaign, Smart City Mission, and Mukhyamantri Urban Livelihood Mission, the state is empowering citizens across sectors.

Dhami mentioned that NITI Aayog has ranked Uttarakhand first in achieving the SDGs in India. To strengthen collaborative efforts in social development, the state has signed key MoUs with Tata Trusts, NASSCOM, and the Wadhwani Foundation. These partnerships focus on water management, nutrition, telemedicine, rural livelihood, green energy, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and skill development.

He expressed confidence that such innovations will help establish Uttarakhand as a model state for sustainable development.

The event was attended by NITI Aayog Member Prof. Ramesh Chand, Doon University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Surekha Dangwal, IASSI President and Nalanda University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Prof. R.P. Mamgain, Prof. I.C. Awasthi, Prof. Alakh Sharma, and other subject experts.