Demands Enhanced Support for Border Area Development, Policy Relaxation & Central Assistance
Varanasi, June 25 — Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami forcefully presented several vital developmental issues concerning the state during the 25th meeting of the Central Regional Council held in Varanasi on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and other senior officials.
Focus on Border Areas
Highlighting the strategic importance of Uttarakhand, which shares international borders with China and Nepal, Chief Minister Dhami made a strong case for the development of border areas. His key demands included:
Expansion of road, communication, and logistics infrastructure in frontier regions.
Enhanced assistance through the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
Accelerated development of infrastructure under the Vibrant Villages Programme to curb migration.
Immediate implementation of BharatNet, 4G services, and satellite-based communication in remote areas.
Call for Policy Flexibility and Institutional Support
The Chief Minister urged the Union Government to provide greater flexibility in centrally sponsored schemes tailored to Uttarakhand’s unique geographical and socio-economic challenges. Key requests included:
A one-time central grant allocation under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Additional support for effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
Establishment of a Glacier Study Centre to monitor and analyze climate change impacts.
Technical and financial support for setting up a Biodiversity Conservation Institute and an International Adventure Sports Training Centre.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage Initiatives
CM Dhami sought the Centre’s active cooperation for two major upcoming events:
The Nanda Raj Jat Yatra in 2026.
The Haridwar Kumbh Mela in 2027.
He also informed the council about initiatives to promote Uttarakhand as an AYUSH and wellness hub, including the implementation of India’s first Yoga Policy. Additionally, the state has planned the establishment of two Spiritual Economic Zones to boost spiritual tourism and wellness-based economic development.
Showcasing Progress and Vision
The Chief Minister shared Uttarakhand’s achievements and future goals:
71% of the state’s geographical area is under forest cover and 80% is mountainous, which poses limitations on economic activities.
Despite these challenges, the state’s GDP has grown by 1.5 times in recent years.
Ranked first in the SDG Index 2023–24.
Ranked second among small states in CARE Ratings for good governance and financial management.
Legislative and Employment Initiatives
CM Dhami highlighted landmark legislative actions including:
Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Enactment of strict laws to prevent cheating in exams, religious conversions, riots, and illegal land transactions.
Over three lakh youth have been connected to self-employment opportunities through state programs.
Commitment to Cooperative Federalism
Concluding his remarks, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that Uttarakhand is steadily progressing toward becoming a self-reliant, inclusive, and secure state with the continued support of the central government. He also appreciated the Central Regional Council as a crucial platform for inter-state coordination and collaborative policy-making.
