Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday announced a slew of welfare steps on the 26th anniversary of Uttarakhand’s formation, including setting up a cabinet committee to address the demands and concerns of the statehood movement activists.
Dhami was participating in an event at the Legislative Assembly complex in Bharadisain in Gairsain, Chamoli district, on the occasion of Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.
Greeting the people of Uttarakhand, the chief minister paid tributes to the struggles, sacrifices and martyrdom of those who participated in the statehood movement.
He asserted that building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant Uttarakhand, in line with the dreams of those who fought for the state, remains the BJP government’s top priority.
Dhami made 13 announcements, including an increased honorarium for Anganwadi workers and assistants, ASHA workers, as well as ‘Bhojan Matas’ (cooks in the mid-day meal scheme) from December 1 this year.
Dhami announced the constitution of a cabinet committee to address the demands and concerns of statehood movement activists.
Officials said that the committee will provide recommendations on matters such as relaxing identification criteria, addressing issues related to ‘double pensions,’ and issuing certificates to the dependents of these activists.
Positive action will be taken regarding cases involving statehood movement activists — appointed during the 2013-14 period – that fall within the scope of the relevant legislation.
The announcement comes as parties in the hill state prepare for assembly elections due early next year.
Dhami said that ‘Lakhpati Didis’ will be provided with an incentive amount in two instalments to support the expansion of their businesses and the initiation of new self-employment ventures.
For cases of injuries caused by wildlife attacks, additional financial assistance will be provided, over and above the existing aid, to cover the costs of expensive medical treatments, such as plastic surgery.
The chief minister also announced that two modern digital libraries and reading rooms will be established in each district, located in municipal areas outside of the district headquarters.
All revenue villages currently receiving electricity through alternative sources will be connected to the power grid and the land purchase process will be simplified for migrants from Uttarakhand who wish to invest in the state.
Dhami announced that the ‘Apuni Sarkar’ portal — designed to provide government services to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and citizens in remote areas at their doorsteps — will be made simpler and more effective in every district.
The state government will also waive surcharges levied on the delayed payment of electricity bills for small-scale farmers and electricity consumers.
“The resolve to build a ‘Developed Uttarakhand’ is a collective commitment shared by every resident of the state. The government is continuously working towards public welfare, employment generation, the expansion of basic infrastructure, and the preservation of folk culture and traditions,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced that the ‘Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman’ will be conferred upon the late Gopal Babu Goswami and the late Chandra Singh Rahi for their significant contributions to the preservation of folk culture and regional languages.
He declared an increase in the honorarium for guest teachers in the state.
The chief minister said that the state’s economy has grown from approximately Rs 2.55 lakh crore in 2022 to about Rs 3.82 lakh crore.
“The state budget has now exceeded Rs 1.11 lakh crore. Uttarakhand secured the first position in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index for 2023-24.
“Decisions such as the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, the introduction of stringent land laws, and the enactment of anti-cheating legislation have been taken in public interest,” said Dhami.
During the event, the chief minister honoured statehood movement activists and the family members of the renowned folk singer, the late Gopal Babu Goswami, by presenting them with shawls.
He inspected a parade led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Trivendra Singh Rana. Various contingents, including from the ITBP, the state police force, women home guards, women police personnel, and the NCC, participated in the parade.
The chief minister also honoured individuals who have performed exceptionally well in areas such as agriculture, horticulture, self-employment and sports, as well as beneficiaries of various government schemes.
(PTI)
