Government Working with an Unwavering Commitment to Development, Good Governance and Public Welfare: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
CM presents detailed account of achievements and future plans while replying to the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address in the Assembly
Gairsain (Bhararisain): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday presented a comprehensive account of the state government’s achievements, policies and future development plans while replying to the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly held at the summer capital Gairsain (Bhararisain). He said the state government is working with a “resolute commitment without alternatives” to make Uttarakhand a prosperous, empowered and self-reliant state.
The Chief Minister began his address by paying tribute to the deities of Devbhoomi, the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, and the activists of the Uttarakhand statehood movement. He said the sacrifices and struggles of the statehood agitators laid the foundation for the formation of Uttarakhand, and today the state is steadily moving towards new heights of development.
Gairsain a Symbol of Aspirations of the Hills
The Chief Minister said that for the government, Gairsain is not merely a geographical location but a symbol of the aspirations, hopes and self-respect of the people living in the hill regions. He noted that Gairsain represents the spirit and determination behind the Uttarakhand statehood movement. Therefore, the government has ensured that the sentiments of the hills are reflected in its policies and development initiatives.
Commitment to Realise Atal’s Vision
The Chief Minister said the creation of Uttarakhand was made possible due to the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who laid the foundation for the state. He added that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state is receiving new direction and momentum for development.
He recalled the Prime Minister’s statement made in 2021 from the sacred land of Kedarnath that “the third decade of the 21st century will belong to Uttarakhand.” Dhami said the state government is working with full dedication to turn that vision into reality.
Historic Budget Outlining Development Roadmap
The Chief Minister described the recently presented budget as historic in several respects. He said the Budget for the financial year 2026–27, with an outlay of ₹1.11 lakh crore, is about 10 percent higher than the previous year. Apart from being the final full budget of the current Assembly, it will serve as a roadmap for the state’s future development.
He said the budget is not merely a statement of income and expenditure but reflects the aspirations of over 12.5 million people of the state. It focuses on balanced development across sectors, including women empowerment, youth welfare, farmers’ prosperity, science and innovation, cultural heritage conservation and tourism expansion.
Focus on Implementation of Announcements
Responding to the opposition’s criticism, the Chief Minister said his government does not limit itself to making announcements but ensures their timely implementation. He stated that out of 3,885 announcements made as Mukhy Sevak, 2,408 have already been implemented, while work on the remaining ones is progressing rapidly.
He emphasized that the government’s aim is not only to launch schemes but also to deliver tangible results so that the benefits of development reach the last person in society.
Rapid Economic Growth
The Chief Minister said the state’s economy has witnessed remarkable growth over the past four years. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased significantly, and per capita income has risen by nearly 41 percent.
He added that the state budget size has grown from around ₹60,000 crore to more than ₹1.11 lakh crore, reflecting the state’s economic progress. Investments, industrial development and tourism have also seen substantial growth during this period.
Boost to Employment and Industries
Dhami said the government has introduced more than 30 new policies to promote employment and self-employment opportunities. As a result, more than 20,000 new industries have been established in the state, and the number of startups has increased from around 700 to nearly 1,750.
He said sectors such as tourism, hotels and homestays have expanded rapidly, generating new livelihood opportunities for local youth. The expansion of heli services and heliports has also improved tourism and connectivity in the state.
Strict Action Against Cheating Mafia and Corruption
The Chief Minister said the state government has taken strong action against examination cheating rackets and corruption. He noted that Uttarakhand has implemented one of the strictest anti-cheating laws in the country to ensure transparency in recruitment examinations.
Over the past four and a half years, more than 30,000 youths have been provided government jobs. In addition, action has been taken against more than 200 individuals, including IAS and PCS-level officers, in corruption-related cases.
Historic Decisions Including Uniform Civil Code
The Chief Minister said the state government has taken several historic and far-reaching decisions. He noted that Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code, ensuring equal rights for women and strengthening the principles of equality and justice in society.
He also mentioned that the government has taken steps such as stricter land laws and anti-conversion legislation to preserve the cultural identity of the state.
Major Investments in Infrastructure and Connectivity
Dhami said that with the support of the central government, development projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore are currently underway in Uttarakhand. Significant efforts are being made to strengthen road, rail, ropeway and air connectivity across the state.
Major infrastructure initiatives such as the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project and the Char Dham All Weather Road Project will significantly boost connectivity and economic growth in the region.
Schemes for Farmers, Women and Youth
The Chief Minister said several initiatives have been launched to increase farmers’ income. Farmers are being provided interest-free loans of up to ₹3 lakh, along with subsidies of up to 80 percent on agricultural equipment.
He added that women empowerment is also a priority, with nearly 1.7 lakh women in the state becoming “Lakhpati Didis.” Various schemes have also been introduced to promote skill development, entrepreneurship and startup culture among the youth.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage Promotion
Dhami said tourism remains a key pillar of the state’s economy. Along with religious tourism, the government is promoting adventure tourism, eco-tourism and wellness tourism.
He said initiatives such as the development of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temple circuits, winter pilgrimage, film tourism and international events are strengthening the state’s global tourism profile.
Vision of a Developed Uttarakhand
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to ensuring balanced and sustainable development by maintaining harmony between environmental conservation and economic growth.
He reiterated that the government’s “unwavering resolve” is to ensure that development benefits reach the last person, youth receive better employment opportunities, farmers’ incomes rise and Uttarakhand emerges among the leading states of India in the coming years.
