CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Hoists Tricolour at Parade Ground on Independence Day, Announces Seven Major Initiatives for Uttarakhand
Dehradun, August 15, 2026: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hoisted the national flag at the state-level Independence Day celebrations held at Parade Ground in Dehradun on Saturday. The ceremony began with the collective singing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by the flag hoisting and the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
Extending warm greetings to the people of Uttarakhand on Independence Day, Chief Minister Dhami paid tribute to the freedom fighters, martyrs and brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister felicitated the families of freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition showcasing the country’s freedom struggle. He also honoured 14 police officers and personnel with the Chief Minister’s Commendable Service Medal. Seven personnel were recognised for their service and six for outstanding work. In addition, 13 sportspersons who have performed commendably at national and international levels were felicitated.
CM Pays Tribute to Freedom Fighters, Soldiers and Statehood Agitators
Chief Minister Dhami said Independence Day is an occasion to remember the immortal martyrs and freedom fighters who sacrificed everything for India’s freedom. He expressed gratitude to the soldiers, paramilitary personnel and police personnel guarding the country’s borders.
He also paid homage to the statehood agitators and martyrs who devoted their lives to the movement for the creation of Uttarakhand.
Expressing deep sympathy with families affected by recent natural disasters in various parts of the state, the Chief Minister said the state government stands firmly with every affected family. He said the government’s priority is to ensure immediate relief, proper medical treatment for the injured and necessary assistance to people who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Relief and rescue material is being supplied to affected areas, while efforts are underway to restore damaged roads, bridges, drinking water systems and electricity lines at the earliest.
2026: A Historic Year for the Nation
The Chief Minister described 2026 as a significant year in several respects. India has entered the 80th year of Independence, while the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ is also being commemorated.
The year also marks the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Ravidas Maharaj and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Dhami also paid tribute to those who suffered during the Partition, lost their loved ones and endured the pain of displacement.
Focus on Building a Developed Uttarakhand by 2035
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is strengthening its position on the global stage. The country is making rapid progress in infrastructure, semiconductors, space, defence production, artificial intelligence, science, research, startups, sports, yoga and Ayurveda.
He said the Prime Minister has set the vision of building a developed India by 2047, while the Uttarakhand government has set a target of building a developed Uttarakhand by 2035.
Dhami said the government is giving special attention to road, rail and ropeway connectivity. The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project, Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and various ropeway projects are expected to further strengthen connectivity across the state.
Work on major projects, including the Jamrani, Lakhwar, Kishau and Saung dam projects, is also being accelerated.
Spiritual Tourism Expanding with New Tourism Opportunities
The Chief Minister highlighted initiatives such as the redevelopment of Kedarnath and Badrinath, Kedarkhand-Manaskhand Temple Mala Mission, Rishikesh-Haridwar Corridor, Sharda Corridor, Haripur Yamuna Teerth redevelopment and winter pilgrimage.
He said these initiatives are aimed at preserving Uttarakhand’s spiritual heritage while giving a fresh boost to tourism and the state economy.
According to the Chief Minister, the number of pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra has crossed the historic mark of 47 lakh, while more than four crore devotees participated in the 2026 Kanwar Yatra.
He said Uttarakhand is emerging beyond religious tourism as a destination for wellness tourism, adventure tourism, film shooting and destination weddings. The government’s objective is to ensure that every tourist leaves the state with a memorable experience and becomes an ambassador for Uttarakhand.
Startup Ecosystem and Youth Employment
Dhami said the government is working to transform young people from job seekers into job creators by strengthening the startup ecosystem. A ₹200-crore venture fund has been established along with incubation centres to support emerging entrepreneurs.
Through House of Himalayas, local products are being connected with national and international markets. The Homestay Scheme and Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme are also being used to create new self-employment opportunities for young people.
Free Online Coaching for 10,000 Students
The Chief Minister highlighted the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana, under which talented students studying in Classes 11 and 12 in government schools will receive free online coaching for competitive examinations.
In the first phase, 10,000 students will benefit from the scheme, for which ₹7 crore has been sanctioned.
Dhami also highlighted Uttarakhand’s achievements in sports following the successful hosting of the 38th National Games. State athletes won 103 medals, showcasing their talent at the national level.
Under the Sports Legacy Plan, 23 sports academies will be established across eight cities. Work is also underway on a women’s sports college and a sports university.
Women Empowerment, Farmers and Innovation
The Chief Minister said more than three lakh women in Uttarakhand have become Lakhpati Didis under the Lakhpati Didi initiative. Women’s self-help groups are being provided interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh.
Farmers are receiving interest-free loans of up to ₹3 lakh, subsidies of up to 80 per cent on agricultural equipment and free canal irrigation facilities.
He said Uttarakhand has introduced its first Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. A Science City is being developed in Dehradun, which will be the fifth such science city in the country.
Initiatives including Science and Innovation Centres, Labs on Wheels, digital libraries, Patent Information Centres and STEM Labs are also being promoted to strengthen the state’s science and innovation ecosystem.
Growth in GSDP, Per Capita Income and Startups
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand recorded 7.23 per cent growth in GSDP over the past year, while per capita income increased by 41 per cent.
The state’s budget has crossed the ₹1 lakh crore mark. More than 20,000 new industries have been established in the last five years, while the number of startups has increased from around 700 to approximately 1,750.
Dhami said Uttarakhand ranked first in India in the NITI Aayog Sustainable Development Goals Index. The state also secured second position among Himalayan states in the Public Finance Performance Index and India Innovation Index.
The state has been placed in the Achievers category in Ease of Doing Business and in the Leaders category in the Startup Ranking. Uttarakhand has also received the ‘Most Film Friendly State’ recognition for four consecutive years.
UCC, Strict Land Law and Transparent Recruitment
The Chief Minister said the state government has taken major decisions, including implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, strict land laws, anti-conversion law, anti-riot law and anti-copying law.
He said more than 34,000 young people have secured government jobs through transparent recruitment processes over the past five years.
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Dhami said the goal is to build an Uttarakhand where development goes hand in hand with heritage, employment with solutions to migration, and modernisation with the preservation of culture and identity.
CM Dhami Announces Seven Major Initiatives
Addressing the Independence Day gathering, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced seven major initiatives focused on industrial development, youth, housing, entrepreneurship and social welfare:
- Special Industrial Parks: Special industrial parks will be established in Chamoli, Pauri and Almora.
- First Youth Commission: Uttarakhand’s first Youth Commission will be established to address issues and aspirations related to young people.
- Support for Border-Area Youth: Additional assistance and incentives will be provided to youth from border villages, ex-servicemen and Agniveers for self-employment and setting up enterprises.
- Land Regularisation: The deadline for regularisation of Class-3 and Class-4 land will be extended, with landholding rights to be granted to eligible beneficiaries.
- Higher State Share Under PMAY: The state contribution under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will be increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.
- New Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme: A new Chief Minister Youth Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship Promotion Scheme will be launched for people aged 18 to 30. Free entrepreneurship and skill training will be provided with the support of premier institutions such as IITs and IIMs. The government will provide a subsidy equivalent to 30 per cent of the bank loan for setting up an enterprise.
- Bal Veerta Puraskar: A new ‘Bal Veerta Puraskar’ (Child Bravery Award) will be introduced from this year to honour courageous children of Uttarakhand.
‘Best State in the Country’ Remains the Goal
Chief Minister Dhami said the people’s trust in the government is not merely political support but a major responsibility. Reiterating his commitment to making Uttarakhand one of the country’s leading states, he said the government would continue working with dedication, commitment and determination to turn this vision into reality.
Former Chief Minister and former Union Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP Uttarakhand president Mahendra Bhatt, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, Cabinet Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, DGP Deepam Seth, senior government officials, Dehradun District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan, Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Doval and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
