Uttarakhand’s economy is mainly agriculture-based, and 90% of the state’s population is engaged in agriculture. On the basis of current prices for the year 2004, Uttarakhand’s gross domestic product was estimated at Rs 280.32 billion (6 billion dollars). This state, formed by separating from Uttar Pradesh, produces 8% of the total production of the old Uttar Pradesh.

The economy of Uttarakhand has taken the biggest leap in the last two decades. Due to the government’s efforts in the tourism sector, its participation has increased from 37% to 43.7%. The size of the economy has increased 24 times and the per capita income has increased 17 times. Per capita income has increased 17 times and budget size has also increased 20 times. The state government’s efforts in the field of tourism are paying off. Two years ago, the contribution of the tourism sector to the economy was 37 percent, which has now increased to 43.7 percent. The government’s resolve to double the economy in five years is rapidly taking shape.

At the time of formation of the state i.e. in the year 2000, the size of the economy was Rs 14501 crore. In the year 2023-24, it has increased to Rs 3.46 lakh crore. The tourism sector has played an important role in this. Similarly, per capita income has increased to Rs 2.60 lakh. In the year 2000, the per capita income was Rs 15,285.

When we look at the data of the last two years, the per capita income of the state has increased by 26 percent. With the pace of development works, the state budget has also increased 20 times.

At the time of the formation of the state in the year 2000, the budget size of Uttarakhand was about Rs 4500 crore. In the year 2024-25, it increased to more than 94 thousand crores. This includes Rs 89230.07 crore of the general budget and Rs 5013.05 crore of the supplementary budget.

I believe that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Dhami, Uttarakhand has achieved new zeniths of development. In this period, new doors of progress have opened in Uttarakhand. The performance on the economic front has also been encouraging. The per capita income of the state has increased 17 times, which is unexpected. Effective steps have been taken to increase revenue. Many departments of the state government running in loss are coming into a position to give profit today.

I not only hope but have unshakable faith that with the combined efforts of the indefatigable people of the state, the government, and the administration, we will very soon make our place among the first three states in the entire country. Till then, many congratulations to the present government on behalf of the entire people of the state and on my behalf for the current phenomenal achievements.

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