Development booklet documents the state’s achievements as well as the government’s accountability to the people: Chief Minister
Rapid progress being made towards building a developed and self-reliant Uttarakhand under the guidance of the Prime Minister
True meaning of development lies in bringing positive changes to the lives of ordinary people: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday released the 2026 development booklet of the Information and Public Relations Department, titled ‘Strong Leadership, A High Flight of Development’, at a समारोह organised at Gorkha Military Inter College, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, on the occasion of Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.
Extending his greetings to the people of the state, the Chief Minister said the booklet is an important document covering Uttarakhand’s development journey, public welfare schemes and achievements across various sectors. Along with presenting an account of the government’s work before the people, the development booklet also reminds the government of its responsibilities for the future.
Paying tribute to the immortal martyrs of the statehood movement, the Chief Minister acknowledged the struggle and contributions of the activists who fought for a separate Uttarakhand. He said the creation of Uttarakhand was the result of the people's prolonged struggle and sacrifices, with women playing a significant role in the statehood movement.
Remembering former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said the dream of a separate Uttarakhand was realised under his leadership. Today, continuous efforts are being made to make the state prosperous and developed under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister said the true meaning of development is not limited to schemes and statistics; rather, its positive impact must be visible in the lives of ordinary citizens. When a road reaches a village, people gain better access to healthcare facilities. Improved facilities in schools give children's dreams new wings, while increased local employment opportunities help address the problem of migration. The government's objective is to reduce people's difficulties and improve the future of every family.
Dhami said basic infrastructure in Uttarakhand is expanding rapidly with the support of the Central Government. Projects such as the Char Dham All-Weather Road, Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line are giving fresh momentum to the state's development. Expansion of air and helicopter services is improving connectivity to remote areas, thereby increasing opportunities for tourism, trade and local employment.
The Chief Minister said the state government is also continuously working to improve healthcare and education. Efforts are underway to establish a medical college in every district. The expansion of specialised medical facilities in Dehradun, Haldwani and Srinagar, along with the development of facilities such as the AIIMS satellite centre in Kichha, will further strengthen healthcare services. Special attention is also being given to providing smart classrooms and modern resources in schools.
He said the successful hosting of G20 meetings gave Uttarakhand global recognition, while the organisation of the 38th National Games showcased the state's sporting talent and event-management capabilities at the national level.
Through initiatives such as the Mansakhand Temple Mala Mission, winter tourism and the development of new tourist destinations, efforts are being made to link tourism with year-round employment and livelihoods. The government's objective is to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local residents, homestay operators and small business owners.
The Chief Minister said the Global Investors Summit had encouraged investment in the state, and continuous efforts were being made to translate investment proposals into reality. According to estimates for 2025-26, the size of the state's economy is approximately Rs 3.82 lakh crore, while the budget for 2026-27 exceeds Rs 1.11 lakh crore. The government is making efforts to ensure that the benefits of the growing economic capacity reach farmers, youth, women and local entrepreneurs.
He said several initiatives were being undertaken to economically empower women's self-help groups, promote self-employment and provide markets for local products. Uttarakhand has recorded a 44 per cent increase in reverse migration. The government is committed to developing better facilities and livelihood opportunities in villages so that young people can find opportunities for growth in their own villages.
Dhami said the state government is committed not only to development but also to protecting Uttarakhand's cultural identity, natural wealth and the rights of its citizens. The Uniform Civil Code has been implemented in the state. Decisions concerning a stringent anti-conversion law, anti-riot law, land law and action against illegal encroachments have been taken keeping the interests of the state and its citizens in mind.
The Chief Minister said the government's achievements provide satisfaction but also inspire it to fulfil greater responsibilities and undertake more work. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure better facilities in every village, create new employment opportunities, make agriculture profitable and strengthen disaster management preparedness.
Concluding his address with lines from the poem ‘We Have a Long Way to Go’, he reiterated his resolve to build a developed Uttarakhand in accordance with the dreams of the statehood activists.
On the occasion, Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari read out the congratulatory message sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.
Those present at the event included Rajya Sabha MP and BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt; Cabinet Ministers Subodh Uniyal, Ganesh Joshi and Khajan Das; MLAs Vinod Chamoli and Savita Kapoor; Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal; Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan; Principal Secretaries R.K. Sudhanshu and Dr R. Meenakshi Sundaram; Information Secretary Shailesh Bagauli; Uttarakhand Media Advisory Committee Chairman Prof. Govind Singh Bisht; Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey; Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari; and other dignitaries.
