New Delhi, September 28, 2026: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met prominent Uttarakhand-origin intellectuals and professionals at Uttarakhand Niwas in New Delhi and invited their continued participation in the state’s development journey.
The participants shared suggestions on development, investment, employment and public policy. Dhami said the government would consider incorporating relevant suggestions into policies being prepared for Uttarakhand. He also thanked the diaspora representatives for attending despite their busy schedules.
Growth, Migration and Investment
Dhami said Uttarakhand’s rich culture, traditions and natural resources are an inherited legacy that must be protected while development is accelerated. He said the state’s budget has been increased to ₹1.12 lakh crore.
He acknowledged that more work is needed to promote reverse migration and said the government is trying to make the state’s “water and youth” useful for Uttarakhand’s progress. Tourism, self-employment and local economic activity are creating positive changes, he said, adding that reverse migration in the state has increased by 44 percent.
The Chief Minister described Uttarakhand’s connectivity as a major investment advantage. He highlighted the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, which has reduced travel time between the National Capital and Dehradun, and said more than 50 air services connect Dehradun with major cities.
He identified Haridwar as a major industrial area and Pantnagar in Udham Singh Nagar as an important agricultural and industrial centre. The proposed greenfield airport at Pantnagar, he said, would support industrial and logistics development.
Employment and Transparent Recruitment
Referring to the state’s achievements, Dhami said Uttarakhand had secured a top position in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals ranking. He also said the state had performed strongly among Himalayan and northeastern states in creating a favourable policy environment for investment.
On youth employment, he said transparent recruitment had been made the government’s highest priority. Strict action had been taken in paper-leak and cheating cases, with more than 100 people reportedly sent to jail in action against examination mafias.
Dhami said more than 35,000 young people had been appointed to government services and that extensive reforms had been introduced to make recruitment transparent. A stringent anti-copying law is also in force to protect the future of deserving candidates, he said.
Tourism and Local Enterprise
The Chief Minister said young people and women are increasingly pursuing self-employment through homestays, small hotels, agriculture, horticulture and local enterprises.
He described tourism as a key pillar of Uttarakhand’s economy, citing the Char Dham Yatra, Kanwar Yatra and Adi Kailash pilgrimage circuits. He said Char Dham visitation had increased several times, while approximately five crore devotees attended the Kanwar Yatra.
Dhami added that tourist and pilgrim numbers in the Adi Kailash region had risen significantly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. This has strengthened tourism-led economic activity and local employment in border areas, he said.
Governance and Social Policies
Dhami said Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code had presented a model of good governance and equal rights to the country. He said the state’s UCC experience could inspire other states to advance equality and justice.
He also referred to the state’s anti-conversion and anti-riot laws, saying these measures were intended to protect Uttarakhand’s identity, demographic character, peace and cultural traditions.
On education, Dhami said steps had been taken to promote equality and modernisation. He stated that the Madrasa Board had been replaced by the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority, with participation from all sections, with the stated objective of providing every child access to equal and quality education.
Infrastructure and Sports
The Chief Minister said road, rail, ropeway and air connectivity were expanding rapidly, including in border areas. Char Dham travel and religious tourism are being linked with modern facilities, while efforts are under way to create local employment and self-employment opportunities for young people.
He also highlighted Uttarakhand’s growing sporting identity. Following the successful organisation of the 38th National Games, the state is emerging as a sports destination as well as a tourism destination. The government, he said, is continuing to improve sports infrastructure and provide athletes with better opportunities.
Several prominent intellectuals, academics, professionals and public figures from Uttarakhand attended the programme, which was conducted by Professor Govind Singh.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
Authentic news.
