Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan on Saturday reviewed the functioning of the Setu Commission and described it as a crucial think tank for the overall development of Uttarakhand. During the review meeting, he held detailed discussions with experts from diverse fields who are working with the Commission, focusing on strengthening policy formulation and implementation across departments.
The Chief Secretary underlined that the Setu Commission should actively support the state government by providing research-based inputs and innovative ideas to improve governance outcomes.
Departments Asked to Consult Setu Commission on Policies
Emphasizing inter-departmental coordination, Anand Bardhan said that all government departments must engage in structured deliberations with the Setu Commission while designing and reviewing their policies and programmes. He noted that the Commission should conduct in-depth studies and suggest necessary policy corrections so that government schemes deliver maximum benefits to citizens.
He stressed that evidence-based recommendations from experts can significantly enhance the effectiveness of state policies.
Cold-Water Fisheries Identified as Uttarakhand’s USP
Highlighting sector-specific priorities, the Chief Secretary said that cold-water fisheries represent a unique strength of Uttarakhand. He directed the Commission to undertake a focused study on how this sector can be integrated with the hill economy, creating livelihood opportunities for local communities while promoting sustainable development.
Focus on Forest-Based Economy and Hill Agriculture
Anand Bardhan also called for renewed efforts to strengthen the forest-based economy, stressing the need for scientific research and value addition to forest produce. He further emphasized transforming rain-fed agriculture in hilly regions into assured and sustainable agriculture through innovation, technology, and policy support.
According to him, improving agricultural resilience in the hills is essential for economic stability and reducing migration.
Expert Team Strengthens State’s Research Capacity
The Chief Secretary noted that a strong and multidisciplinary expert team has been constituted under the Setu Commission. This, he said, provides Uttarakhand with a valuable opportunity to enhance its research and analytical capacity, enabling more informed decision-making for long-term development.
Senior Officials and Experts Present
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Sridhar Babu Addanki, Vice Chairman of the Setu Commission Rajshekhar Joshi, along with experts from various domains associated with the Commission.
