President Droupadi Murmu Addresses Special Session of Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on Silver Jubilee of Statehood
Dehradun:
Marking a historic milestone in Uttarakhand’s journey, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday addressed a special session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly to commemorate 25 years of the formation of the state. The special session was convened as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Uttarakhand’s statehood.
Extending her warm greetings to all the people of Uttarakhand and to former and current legislators, the President recalled that the state of Uttarakhand was created in November 2000 during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, fulfilling the aspirations of the people for better governance and balanced development.
‘Uttarakhand Has Achieved Remarkable Development’
President Murmu said that in the last twenty-five years, Uttarakhand has achieved remarkable milestones in multiple sectors — including environment conservation, energy, tourism, health, and education. The state, she noted, has made significant strides in digital and physical connectivity and infrastructure development, which have together improved the Human Development Index (HDI).
Highlighting improvements in literacy rates, women’s education, and reductions in maternal and infant mortality, she appreciated the state’s efforts to make health services accessible to all.
Praise for Women’s Empowerment and Leadership
The President especially lauded the state’s initiatives in promoting women’s empowerment, saying that Uttarakhand is carrying forward the glorious legacy of its illustrious women — Sushila Baluni, Bachendri Pal, Gaura Devi, Radha Bhatt, and Vandana Katariya.
Referring to Ritu Khanduri Bhushan’s appointment as the first woman Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, President Murmu said it was a matter of pride for the state and expressed hope that women’s representation in the Assembly would continue to increase through collective efforts.
‘Land of Spirituality and Bravery’
Describing Uttarakhand as the land of spirituality and bravery, the President said that the valor of the Kumaon and Garhwal Regiments has brought glory to the nation. The youth of Uttarakhand, she said, continue to show exemplary dedication to protecting the motherland through their service in the armed forces.
She also acknowledged the contribution of many public servants from Uttarakhand in strengthening India’s democratic traditions.
Commendation for Uniform Civil Code and Legislative Achievements
Referring to Article 44 of the Constitution, which envisions a Uniform Civil Code, the President commended the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly for enacting the Uniform Civil Code Bill, calling it a step in the spirit of the Constitution’s framers.
She also highlighted the passage of over 550 bills in the state Assembly — including significant legislations like the Lokayukta Bill, Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Bill, and Anti-Copying Bill — which have strengthened transparency, morality, and social justice in governance.
‘Legislators Are the Link Between People and Government’
Emphasizing the importance of Legislative Assemblies as the pillars of India’s parliamentary democracy, President Murmu recalled Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of ensuring continuous accountability through the parliamentary system.
Drawing from her own nine-year experience as an MLA, she said legislators must remain deeply engaged in addressing public concerns and ensuring people’s welfare. This, she said, sustains an unbreakable bond of trust between the public and their representatives.
She urged legislators to work with dedication beyond party lines for inclusive development and to pay special attention to underprivileged and marginalized communities.
Digital Transformation of the Assembly
The President expressed satisfaction that the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) has been launched in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, enabling paperless sessions and digital governance. This, she said, would help members adopt best legislative practices from Parliament and other state assemblies.
‘Preserve Nature While Pursuing Development’
Concluding her address, President Murmu said that Uttarakhand, blessed with unique natural wealth and scenic beauty, must strike a balance between development and environmental preservation. She praised the contributions of all MLAs to the state’s 25-year journey and expressed hope that Uttarakhand would continue advancing with the spirit of “Nation First.”
Governor Gurmeet Singh: ‘A Golden Period of Progress’
Addressing the session, Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) described the last 25 years as a golden era of economic prosperity, good governance, social justice, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure development.
Thanking the President for her presence, the Governor said that her affection for Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is a matter of great pride for every citizen. He emphasized that the special session aims to reflect on the state’s development journey and chart a new roadmap for the coming decades.
He gave the guiding mantra of “Prosperous villages, empowered youth, empowered women, and a safe environment,” and envisioned Uttarakhand emerging as a model state in spirituality, education, health, tourism, organic agriculture, and green energy.
The Governor also underlined the state’s efforts to curb migration, promote local products globally, and integrate traditional knowledge with modern technology, expressing confidence that Uttarakhand will play a leading role in achieving the vision of “Developed India 2047.”
Chief Minister Dhami: ‘President’s Life is an Inspiration’
In his welcome address, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President for addressing the special session, describing her life as an embodiment of struggle, dedication, and national service.
He said that despite facing personal hardships, President Murmu has devoted herself to the service of the nation and the upliftment of the underprivileged, particularly during her tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, where she worked for the welfare of tribal communities following the ideals of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Dhami recalled that this is only the second time in history that a President of India has addressed the Uttarakhand Assembly — the first being Late President Pranab Mukherjee in May 2015.
He said that the President’s historic address will be etched in golden letters in Uttarakhand’s history and will continue to guide the state’s progress for the next 25 years.
Paying homage to all known and unknown statehood agitators, he said their sacrifices, courage, and determination gave birth to this proud state. With the blessings of the President and the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhami affirmed his government’s commitment to building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant Uttarakhand.
Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan: ‘Women’s Role Central to State’s Formation’
In her address, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan said it was an honor for the Uttarakhand Assembly that the President addressed the House on the occasion of the State’s Foundation Day.
She reflected on the Assembly’s journey since its first meeting on January 12, 2001, noting that it has consistently upheld the principles of democracy and passed over 500 bills, including the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Speaker Bhushan said that women’s power played a decisive role in the creation of the state and continues to drive progress in environmental protection, agriculture, and social reform.
She highlighted the declaration of Bhararisain-Gairsain as the summer capital, the implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application, and the establishment of an e-library and the International Institute of Parliamentary Studies, Research, and Training at Bhararisain, envisioned as a center of excellence in legislative and policy studies.
Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya: ‘State’s Women and Nature Are Its Strength’
Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya welcomed the President and said Uttarakhand, bordered by Tibet and Nepal, plays a crucial role in national security.
He said that nature has blessed Uttarakhand with ever-flowing rivers and rich biodiversity, and praised the women of the state for their tireless role in protecting water, forests, and land, citing the world-renowned Chipko movement as a symbol of this spirit.
Arya expressed confidence that the President’s address would inspire and energize all members to work with unity and vision for the state’s bright future.
