Government Working Towards a Self-Reliant Uttarakhand by Empowering Women, Youth and Local Products
Focus on Scientific Assessment of Carrying Capacity of Himalayan Regions
Haldwani, Sept 2026 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday inaugurated the ‘Jagran Vimarsh – Uttarakhand: Hopes and Challenges’ programme organised by Dainik Jagran in Haldwani by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He shared his views on the state’s development journey, achievements, opportunities and emerging challenges.
Dhami said development is a continuous process, with its requirements and challenges changing over time. He noted that Uttarakhand’s budget, which stood at around Rs 4,000 crore when the state was formed, has now increased to approximately Rs 1.11 lakh crore. The state has made significant progress in sectors including roads, healthcare, education, tourism, energy, agriculture and horticulture.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand is rapidly emerging as a major tourism and film destination. The number of homestays in the state has increased by around 50 per cent in recent years, while per capita income has registered a growth of approximately 41 per cent. Uttarakhand and Kerala jointly secured the top position in the SDG India Index 2023-24.
He said local products from the state are being given a new identity and access to wider markets through ‘House of Himalayas’. Women across the state are producing high-quality products despite limited resources. To economically empower self-help groups, the government has made provisions for interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh. Women are being encouraged towards self-employment and entrepreneurship by connecting them with training, financial assistance and markets.
Dhami said providing employment to young people through a transparent system remains a priority for the government. A stringent anti-cheating law has been implemented to prevent irregularities in recruitment examinations. More than 100 people allegedly involved in such irregularities have been arrested, he said. Around 35,000 young people have been appointed to government services in the past few years. The government is also encouraging youth to pursue self-employment, startups and entrepreneurship alongside government jobs.
The Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority has been established in the state. Its objective is to connect children with modern, quality and employment-oriented education. Providing every child with equal opportunities in modern knowledge and science, technical education and skill development is a government priority, he said.
Referring to preparations for the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027, Dhami said arrangements are being prepared based on suggestions from the saint community, akharas, religious organisations and other stakeholders. The government is working to ensure better facilities for devotees arriving from across India and abroad and to conduct the Kumbh in a safe, well-organised, grand and spiritually significant manner.
The Chief Minister described unplanned development and climate change as major challenges for Uttarakhand and said ecology and economy must complement each other. Considering the sensitivity of the Himalayan region, scientific assessments of the carrying capacity of different areas are being undertaken. Scientific monitoring and surveys of glaciers and glacial lakes are also being advanced, he said.
Dhami emphasised that development should not remain limited to large projects but should reach the person at the last mile. He said preserving Uttarakhand’s culture, identity and the unique character of Devbhoomi is equally important as the state moves forward on its development journey.
Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, MP Ajay Bhatt, MLAs Banshidhar Bhagat, Suresh Gadiya, Shiv Arora and Pratap Bisht, Haldwani-Kathgodam Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht, Kashipur Mayor Deepak Bali, Dainik Jagran Editor Vijay Singh Yadav, Executive Editor Vishnu Tripathi, State Editor Manoj Jha, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, Kumaon IG Nivedita Kukreti, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal and Senior Superintendent of Police Manjunath T.C., among other dignitaries, were present at the event.
