Uttarakhand: CM extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day. On this auspicious occasion, the Chief Minister, while paying his respects to all the freedom fighters, immortal martyrs, brave men and women and state agitators, has also congratulated the God-like people of Uttarakhand who are contributing to the progress of the country and the state.

The Chief Minister has said in his message that the state of Uttarakhand is very sensitive from the disaster point of view, this year natural disasters in other areas of the state including Dharali of Uttarkashi have affected the life of the people. He has expressed deep condolences to all the disaster affected families, in this difficult situation of disaster, the Chief Minister has also expressed his gratitude to all for the promptness, dedication and courage with which the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and various departments of the state government have cooperated in the relief and rescue operations under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said that we are proud of our military tradition and patriotic heritage. The state government has increased the ex-gratia grant given to the families of martyred soldiers to Rs 50 lakh, and the amount given to Param Vir Chakra winners has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to 1.5 crore. A policy is being prepared to provide 10 percent horizontal reservation to Agniveers as well.

The Chief Minister said that it is the result of our vision towards development that Uttarakhand has been successful in making its mark among the leading states of the country. As per the expectations of the Prime Minister, our state is rapidly moving on the path of development. Today Uttarakhand has become the first state of independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, work is going on on schemes worth about two lakh crores in Uttarakhand.

He said that continuous efforts are being made towards the preservation of the cultural heritage of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Along with Yamuna pilgrimage site in Haripur Kalsi, Haridwar-Rishikesh Corridor Project, Sharda Corridor Project, 16 mythological temples are being developed in the first phase under Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission. Center for Hindu Studies has been established in Doon University for in-depth study of Indian culture, philosophy and history in the state. While Uttarakhand has become the leading state to implement the new education policy.

The Chief Minister said that more than 30 new policies have been implemented to promote industries. MoUs worth Rs 3 lakh 56 thousand crore were signed by entrepreneurs from India and abroad in the Investors Summit. Out of these, grounding of more than one lakh crore has been done. This has provided employment to more than 81 thousand people in the state. So far 35 thousand people have got self-employment under the Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme.

He said that the border villages of the state are being developed through the Chief Minister Border Area Development Scheme and Vibrant Village Scheme. Umbrella brand ‘House of Himalayas’ has been started to provide national and international market to the local products of the state. Aromatic farming is being promoted in the state with Apple, Kiwi, Dragonfruit Mission.

He said that the law made to stop religious conversion in the state is being made more effective and is being strictly implemented. For the first time in the state, more than seven thousand acres of government land has been freed from encroachment by taking action on a large scale. Strict land law has been implemented in the state in accordance with public sentiments. Action has been taken against copy mafia by implementing the country’s strictest anti-copy law in Uttarakhand. Now recruitments are being done in the state with complete transparency and timeliness. In the last 04 years, more than 24 thousand recruitments have been done in government services.

He said that a new solar energy policy has been prepared to promote solar energy in the state. One thousand villages are being developed as solar villages for the convenience of solar energy in rural areas.

The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has been recognized as a wedding destination and a film shooting destination. Due to the efficient travel management of the state government, 42 lakh devotees have come on the Chardham Yatra so far this year. An important initiative of winter travel has also been started from the state this year along with the operation of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making every possible effort to make the benefits of Ayushman Yojana reach the masses. Under the free checkup scheme, patients are being provided the facility of 207 types of pathological tests. In the last three years, two new medical colleges have been started in the state.

He said that the state government has decided to give 30 percent horizontal reservation to women in government jobs as well as 33 percent reservation in cooperative societies. Many schemes in the state including Mukhyamantri Nari Empowerment Scheme, Lakhpati Didi Scheme are making women empowered and self-reliant. Loans up to Rs 5 lakh are being given to women self-help groups without interest.

The Chief Minister said that along with increasing the pension of Uttarakhand state agitators, it has also been decided to give 10 percent horizontal reservation to their eligible dependents. Under the Antyodaya Free Gas Refill Scheme, 3 gas cylinder refills are being given free in a year.

On Independence Day, the Chief Minister has called upon everyone to take the country and state forward on the path of all-round development and to pledge to realize the vision of a developed India while keeping national interest paramount, and has also expected cooperation in making Uttarakhand an ideal leading and progressive state.