Dehradun — Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Uttarakhand on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day. Paying tributes to freedom fighters, martyrs, brave soldiers, and statehood agitators, he also conveyed his appreciation to the people of Uttarakhand for their contribution to the nation and the state’s progress.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that Uttarakhand is highly disaster-prone and that recent natural calamities in Uttarkashi’s Dharali and other regions have significantly affected lives. Expressing condolences to the affected families, he thanked the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and various state departments for their prompt, dedicated, and courageous relief and rescue efforts under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Proud of the state’s military tradition and patriotic heritage, CM Dhami informed that the ex-gratia amount for families of martyred soldiers has been increased to ₹50 lakh, while the reward for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been raised from ₹50 lakh to ₹1.5 crore. A policy is also being prepared to provide 10% horizontal reservation for Agniveers.
Highlighting development, he said Uttarakhand has emerged as one of India’s leading states. It is the first in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code. Under PM Modi’s guidance, projects worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore are underway in the state.
For cultural preservation, projects like Yamuna pilgrimage site in Haripur Kalsi, Haridwar–Rishikesh Corridor, Sharda Corridor, and the Mansakhanda Mandir Mala Mission (developing 16 ancient temples) are progressing. A Centre for Hindu Studies has been established at Doon University, and Uttarakhand is among the leading states to implement the New Education Policy.
In the industrial sector, over 30 new policies have been introduced. The Investors Summit attracted MoUs worth ₹3.56 lakh crore, with over ₹1 lakh crore grounded, generating employment for more than 81,000 people. Under the CM Self-Employment Scheme, 35,000 people have started their own businesses.
Border and rural development initiatives include the CM Border Area Development Scheme, Vibrant Village Programme, the umbrella brand ‘House of Himalayas’, and promotion of apple, kiwi, dragon fruit, and aromatic farming. The anti-conversion law has been made more stringent, and over 7,000 acres of government land have been freed from encroachment.
A new solar energy policy is being implemented, and 1,000 villages are being developed as ‘Solar Villages’. In tourism, the Char Dham Yatra has welcomed 4.2 million pilgrims so far this year, while the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has commenced from the state along with the launch of winter tourism initiatives.
In health and women empowerment, the Ayushman Scheme is being expanded, 207 free pathological tests are now available, and two new medical colleges have been established in the last three years. Women receive 30% horizontal reservation in government jobs and 33% in cooperative bodies. Schemes like Mukhyamantri Nari Sashaktikaran Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana are empowering women, with interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for self-help groups.
Statehood agitators have received increased pensions and 10% reservation for eligible dependents. Under the Antyodaya Free Gas Refill Scheme, three free gas cylinder refills are provided annually.
CM Dhami called upon all citizens to place national interest above all and contribute towards building a developed India and an ideal, progressive Uttarakhand.
