CM Dhami Emphasises Rural Development in Uttarakhand at Jan Milan Program
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to rural development during his participation in the Jan Milan program at Gautam Farm Nagla Imarti in Haridwar. At the event, which brought together locals from the region, CM Dhami not only listened to their concerns but also laid out the government’s vision for enhancing the rural infrastructure and quality of life.
In his address, CM Dhami emphasised that the development of rural areas remains the state’s primary focus. He also marked the occasion by announcing the renaming of the Landhaura-Laksar road to Raja Narendra Singh Road, paying tribute to regional historical significance.
Reflecting on national matters, CM Dhami expressed his sorrow at the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, observing a minute of silence and remembering his legacy. He called Singh’s death an “irreparable loss” to the country, paying homage to his contributions. CM Dhami outlined several key initiatives being implemented to drive growth and infrastructure development across the state. He reiterated that the “Ganga of development” would flow into rural Uttarakhand, aiming for all-round progress in education, healthcare, roads, and infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing projects in these sectors and assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in improving the state’s rural areas.
The Chief Minister also spoke about how the state is making strides in employment generation. He pointed to the creation of over 30 new policies aimed at promoting self-employment, with an emphasis on attracting investment to create more job opportunities. This development is particularly beneficial for rural areas where economic growth has traditionally lagged behind urban centres. Among the most notable initiatives is the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, a scheme aimed at empowering women in rural Uttarakhand. CM Dhami announced that 100,000 women, referred to as Didis, have already become lakhpatis through the programme, and the target of 125,000 lakhpati women will soon be achieved. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to increase financial independence among rural women and strengthen their role in the local economy.
For farmers, CM Dhami highlighted the provision of interest-free loans of up to three lakh rupees. In addition, the government is offering an 80% subsidy under the Farm Machinery Bank, enabling farmers to access modern equipment that enhances productivity. These measures aim to alleviate financial burdens on farmers and help them achieve better yields. In line with his government’s commitment to transparency and law enforcement, CM Dhami spoke about the introduction of a strict anti-copying law. He reported that 100 people have been arrested under this law, which targets the illegal practices that undermine the integrity of recruitment processes. Moreover, 19,000 recruitments were made transparently, without any dispute, further bolstering the credibility of the recruitment system in the state.
Welfare of SC/ST Communities
CM Dhami also shed light on the state’s efforts to uplift marginalised communities. He mentioned several welfare initiatives for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), including an increased budget allocation aimed at improving their economic and social standing. He reaffirmed that the government has been working tirelessly to integrate these communities into the mainstream of social development. CM Dhami stated that the goal of the government is to make Uttarakhand the leading state in India, where the benefits of development reach every individual, including those at the grassroots. “Our focus is on improving the standard of living for the common man,” he said, reiterating his government’s dedication to creating a prosperous future for all residents of Uttarakhand, especially in rural areas.
