President Droupadi Murmu on Monday addressed a special session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in Dehradun on the occasion of the silver jubilee of the state’s formation, lauding its progress in human development, governance, and women empowerment over the past 25 years.
In her address, President Murmu described legislative assemblies as a key pillar of India’s parliamentary democracy, emphasizing that constant public accountability is both its greatest strength and challenge. “Legislators are the most vital link between the people and the government. It is a great privilege to serve citizens at the grassroots level,” she said, urging members to work with full dedication toward development and welfare that transcends party politics.
The President called upon MLAs to show special sensitivity toward underprivileged communities and prioritize opportunities for the younger generation. Commending Uttarakhand’s progress since its formation in 2000, she noted significant improvements in literacy, healthcare, and human development indicators. “As a result of holistic development efforts, literacy has increased, maternal and infant mortality rates have declined, and health services are becoming more accessible,” she said.
Murmu also praised the state’s efforts in women’s empowerment, highlighting the appointment of Ritu Khanduri Bhushan as Uttarakhand’s first woman Speaker. “The Legislative Assembly has enhanced its prestige by appointing a woman Speaker. I hope that with the active efforts of all stakeholders, the number of women in the Assembly will continue to increase,” she added.
Applauding Uttarakhand for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the President said, “Our Constitution makers made provisions for a uniform civil code under Article 44. I commend the members of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly for implementing the Uniform Civil Code Bill in accordance with the Constitutional directive.”
President Murmu lauded the Assembly for passing over 550 bills inspired by transparency, morality, and social justice, including the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill, the Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Bill, and the Anti-Cheating Bill.
She observed that Uttarakhand, blessed with rich natural beauty and resources, must continue its development journey while preserving its environment. The state, she said, has made commendable progress in energy, tourism, digital and physical connectivity, and infrastructure, leading to steady improvement in human development indices. “With the spirit of ‘Nation First,’ I am confident that Uttarakhand will continue to advance rapidly on the path of development,” she stated.
President Murmu is on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand from November 2 to 4. Following her address in Dehradun, she will travel to Nainital, where she will attend a function marking 125 years of the Raj Bhavan. On November 4, she will visit the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram at Kainchi Dham and later preside over the 20th convocation of Kumaun University before returning to New Delhi.
During the session, Uttarakhand Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd) highlighted the state’s achievements over the past 25 years in economic growth, governance, social justice, women’s welfare, and infrastructure. “The important participation of women, youth, and ex-servicemen in the state’s development is noteworthy,” he said.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude to President Murmu, saying her words would inspire the state’s journey for the next 25 years. “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand will complete 25 years of its establishment on November 9. Many martyrs sacrificed their lives for this state, and I pay homage to all those who made this journey possible,” he said.
Formed on November 9, 2000, after being carved out of northern Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand is celebrating its Silver Jubilee in November 2025, marking 25 years of progress driven by the spirit of resilience, inclusivity, and development.
(With ANI inputs)