Dehradun: In a significant move aimed at strengthening grassroots institutions, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday announced an increase in the monthly incentive for Mangal Dals from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000. The announcement was made during an interaction with representatives of Yuvak and Mahila Mangal Dals from across the state at the Mukhya Sevak Samvad, held at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister acknowledged the crucial role played by Mangal Dals in social service, cultural preservation, and disaster response. He emphasized that these youth and women’s groups are vital in carrying forward Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage and play a key role in fostering social consciousness at the village level.
As part of the government’s continued support, Dhami announced the development of a comprehensive policy to make Mangal Dals self-reliant. This includes access to loan facilities, digital training under the state’s Digital Mission, and the creation of a state-level digital portal to connect all Mangal Dals for better coordination and information sharing.
He also highlighted various schemes aimed at empowering these community groups:
Chief Minister Yuva Mangal Dal Swavalamban Yojana: ₹5 crore provisioned
Chief Minister Rural Sports and Health Promotion Scheme: ₹2 crore provisioned
Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme: ₹60 crore provisioned
Chief Minister Migration Prevention Scheme: ₹10 crore provisioned
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Rural Skill Scheme: Over ₹21 crore for technical and vocational training
The government is also providing financial assistance ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3.5 lakh to Mangal Dals for self-employment ventures. In addition, funds are being allocated for promoting folk culture and organizing local fairs and festivals.
Suggestions from the Ground
During the interaction, Mangal Dal representatives presented several valuable suggestions:
Azad Dimri (Uttarkashi): Called for an increase in the incentive amount
Kristi Koranga (Bageshwar): Urged inclusion of Mangal Dals in block and district-level meetings to ensure better access to government schemes
Monica (Champawat): Suggested the creation of an information portal for public welfare
Surjeet Singh Bisht (Chamoli): Proposed digital training initiatives at the village level
Manoj Chauhan (Haridwar): Recommended greater promotion of yoga and fitness in the state
The event was also attended by MLA Suresh Gadiya, PMGSY State-Level Monitoring Council Vice President Shiv Singh Bisht, Special Principal Secretary Amit Sinha, Secretary S.N. Pandey, and Youth Welfare Director Prashant Arya.
