Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Attends State-Level SDG Achievers Award Ceremony in Almora
32 organizations, groups and individuals honoured for outstanding contribution towards Sustainable Development Goals
Almora, May 27, 2026:
The State-Level SDG Achievers Award Ceremony was grandly organized at the Uday Shankar Dance and Music Academy in Almora. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the event as the chief guest and honoured individuals, organizations and groups for their exceptional contribution towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Uttarakhand.
This year, a total of 32 organizations, institutions, groups and individuals were felicitated for their innovative initiatives and remarkable efforts in the field of sustainable development. In addition, six districts were awarded for securing top positions in the annual district-level SDG rankings.
Congratulating the award winners, the Chief Minister said that the ceremony was dedicated to honouring those personalities and institutions that have brought positive change in society through innovation, dedication and exemplary public service. He said that such achievers are a source of inspiration for the entire state.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that despite facing geographical and environmental challenges every year, Uttarakhand is steadily moving forward on the path of balanced and sustainable development. He emphasized that development and ecology must progress together to ensure long-term prosperity. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is continuously working towards achieving SDG targets by the year 2030.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Uttarakhand, which once ranked 10th in the NITI Aayog SDG India Index, has now secured the top position in the country according to the latest rankings. He said the achievement reflects the state government’s commitment to good governance, public welfare and planned development.
He further said that the government is actively working in areas such as rural development, border area development, electricity, water supply, roads and welfare schemes for the poor. He added that sector-specific policies have accelerated the overall growth of the state.
Speaking about the state’s economic progress, the Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has recorded a 7.23 percent increase in GDP, while per capita income has risen by 4.1 percent. He also noted that the state has achieved better performance than the national average by reducing unemployment by a record 4.4 percent.
He said that positive developments in industries, startups, helicopter services, highway construction, green energy and power generation over the past four years have contributed significantly to reverse migration in the state. People are now returning to their native villages and participating in local employment and self-employment opportunities.
Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, who was also present at the event, said that Uttarakhand’s top position in the SDG rankings is the result of the visionary leadership and commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Principal Secretary Planning and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPPGG), Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, elaborated on the concept of SDGs and highlighted the state’s achievements and the contributions of award winners. He emphasized that public participation is essential to make Uttarakhand the best-performing state in the country.
District Magistrate Anshul Singh welcomed all guests and participants and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment towards the holistic development of the district and improving the quality of life of the people.
Notably, Rudraprayag secured the first position in the district-level SDG annual rankings. Uttarkashi and Nainital jointly secured the second position, while Bageshwar, Chamoli and Tehri shared the third position.
Several dignitaries, public representatives, officials, awardees and citizens attended the event, including District Panchayat Chairperson Hema Gaida, Ranikhet MLA Dr. Pramod Nainwal, State Ministers Ganga Bisht and Govind Pilkhwal, Migration Commission Member Anil Singh Sahi, BJP District President Mahesh Nayal, Mayor Ajay Verma and Senior Superintendent of Police Chandrashekhar R. Ghodke.
