Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has so far fulfilled perpetually every promise he had made prior to coming into power.

Dhami government is bringing in better investment for facilitating and encouraging tourism activities. The State has attracted investments amounting to Rs 48,000 crore since the Everest estate was given on lease in 2022-23. Rajas Aviation is Uttarakhand’s startup but the Congress government used it mainly for publicity while the BJP government helped the State’s startup to move forward in the tourism sector. Besides this, due to Dhami’s relentless efforts, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country after independence to implement a uniform civil code, which will secure the rights of men, women, and children equally and without discrimination of any sort whatsoever.

Dhami government has introduced the country’s strictest anti-copying law to protect the interests of hardworking students in competitive examinations and a stringent anti-conversion law making forced conversion a cognizable and non-bailable offense punishable with an imprisonment of 10 years.

The domicile women of the state have been given 30 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs. The government has also decided to provide 10 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs to statehood agitators and their dependents.

Strict steps are also being taken by Dhami government against illegal encroachment on the government land in the state.

A strict anti-riot law has been introduced by Dhami which makes a provision for recovery of damage to public property during riots from rioters.

In order to strike a balance between ecology and economy, a provision has been made in the state’s budget for the first time for climate change mitigation.

Uttarakhand got the opportunity to organize three meetings of the G-20 which led to wider recognition of the hill state’s rich cultural heritage in the country and the world.

The reconstruction of Shri Kedarpuri and the plan for the development of Shri Badrinath Dham are the best examples of Dhami’s vision, leadership, and determination. The foundation stone of Gaurikund-Kedarnath and Govindghat-Hemkunt Sahib ropeway was also laid. Over 56 lakh devotees visited Chardham last year which is a record and more than four crore Shiva devotees came to Haridwar during the Kanwar yatra.

Work is also being done on Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission for the development of mythological and ancient temples of Kumaon on the lines of Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Dham. Its master plan is also being prepared. Along with Kedarkhand, an action plan is being prepared for Manaskhand Corridor, Haridwar-Rishikesh Corridor and Sharda Corridor.

An approval of ₹304 crore has been given for home homestay scheme to boost the rural economy and establishment of 17,648 polyhouses in the state.

An attractive new tourism and film policy has been made in the state under Dhami in which a provision of up to 100 percent subsidy has been made to promote self-employment.

Dhami has also planned to develop six Aroma Valleys. Along with Mission Apple and Mission Kiwi, it has been decided to start Mission Cinnamon and Mission Timaru. Dhami promotes local coarse grains like Manduwa, Jhangora etc. State Millet Mission has been approved.

For the empowerment of mothers and sisters ‘Mukhyamantri Lakhpati Didi Yojana’ has been launched by the Dhami government.  Under this, a target has been set of making 1.25 lakh sisters associated with women self-help groups millionaires by the year 2025. The Uttarakhand Global Investor Summit 2023 has succeeded in garnering huge investments in the state. Investment MoUs worth ₹3.5 lakh crore have been signed against the target of ₹2.5 lakh crore.

Friends Dhami’s special attachment to Uttarakhand is not hidden from anyone. Under his guidance, Uttarakhand is rapidly moving towards development. I think that a “cultural renaissance” is happening in the Dhami’s leadership. 

Thus friends don’t fall for “freebies/jalebi” traps and always choose a government that is true to its word. Always remember that an economically thriving country like Venezuela turned into a beggar state just because of these ” freebies” within a short period of time only.

Article written by and Editorial credit: State Bureau Chief Himanshu Nauriyal.