CM Dhami Meets Uttarakhandis in Delhi, Seeks Growth Roadmap
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets intellectuals in Delhi to discuss state development, reverse migration, and economic growth strategies.
In a significant move to involve the diaspora and intellectuals in the state's progress, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held an interactive session with members of the Uttarakhand community and various experts at Uttarakhand Niwas in New Delhi on Sunday. The Chief Minister emphasized that the expertise and participation of those living outside the state are vital to accelerating Uttarakhand's developmental journey.
During the meeting, several strategic suggestions were presented by the attendees. CM Dhami assured the participants that these valuable inputs would be integrated into the upcoming policies designed to drive the state's growth and prosperity.
Focus on 'Pahad ka Pani aur Pahad ki Jawani'
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the state's immense potential, rooted in its rich cultural heritage and natural resources. He noted that the government has significantly bolstered its financial capacity, increasing the budget to Rs 1.12 lakh crore to fuel development projects.
A key priority for the administration remains addressing reverse migration. Dhami stated that the government is working tirelessly to utilize “Pahad ka Pani aur Pahad ki Jawani” (the water and youth of the hills) to build a sustainable local economy. He shared positive news regarding this trend, noting that the state has seen a 44 per cent increase in reverse migration, driven by advancements in tourism, self-employment, and local economic initiatives.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: The Growth Drivers
The Chief Minister pointed to Uttarakhand's improving connectivity as a major magnet for investment. He highlighted several key infrastructure achievements:
- The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor: This project has drastically reduced travel time between the national capital and the state capital.
- Aviation Expansion: Dehradun now offers more than 50 air services connecting to major cities across India.
- Industrial Hubs: Haridwar continues to thrive as a primary industrial center, while Pantnagar in Udham Singh Nagar has become a vital hub for both agriculture and industry.
- Pantnagar Greenfield Airport: The proposed airport is expected to be a game-changer for the state's logistics and industrial sectors.
Dhami also proudly mentioned that Uttarakhand has secured the top position in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ranking and has emerged as a leader among Himalayan and northeastern states in creating a business-friendly environment for investors.
Transparency in Employment and Governance
Addressing concerns regarding youth and jobs, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to transparency in the recruitment process. Since taking office in July 2021, the government has taken a hardline stance against corruption.
"We have taken strict action against paper leaks and cheating. More than 100 individuals have been sent to jail as part of our crackdown on the cheating mafia," Dhami stated. He added that over 35,000 young people have been appointed to government services through these reformed, transparent processes.
Beyond government jobs, the CM noted a shift toward entrepreneurship, with many women and youth turning to homestays, small hotels, horticulture, and local enterprises. This economic shift is bolstered by a massive surge in religious tourism, including the Char Dham Yatra, Kanwar Yatra, and the Adi Kailash pilgrimage, the latter of which saw a significant boost following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
A Model of Governance
Concluding his remarks on governance, Dhami pointed to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as a landmark achievement. He described the UCC as a model of good governance that ensures equal rights for all citizens within the state.