Dehradun — On the morning of India’s 79th Independence Day, the Parade Ground in Dehradun echoed with patriotic fervor as Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami led the state’s official celebrations. Hoisting the tricolour, the CM paid homage to freedom fighters, honoured exemplary civil servants, and made six pivotal announcements that signal a shift in Uttarakhand’s development priorities — from grassroots empowerment to climate vigilance and education reform.
Honouring Heroes – Past and Present
The CM began by saluting the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and remembering the martyrs of Uttarakhand’s statehood movement. Family members of these heroes were honoured during the event.
In a ceremony of pride, ADG Ajay Prakash Anshuman received the President’s Distinguished Service Medal, while multiple police and fire department officials were awarded the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Service Medal. Athletes who brought glory to the state were also celebrated for their achievements.
Six Announcements That Will Directly Impact Citizens
In a forward-looking speech, CM Dhami made six major policy declarations, reflecting the state government’s intent to address both immediate concerns and long-term challenges:
- Mid-Day Meal Support: All government schools without cooking infrastructure will be equipped with two LPG cylinders and a stove to ensure smooth running of the midday meal scheme.
- Water Access for All: Every legislative constituency with water scarcity issues will see the installation of 10 new hand pumps.
- Better Pay for Village Security Personnel: Gram Chowkidars and Praharis will now receive ₹1,000 more as part of their monthly honorarium.
- Support to Soldier Welfare Reps: The honorarium of block-level representatives in the Sainik Kalyan Vibhag will be raised by ₹2,000.
- Higher Education in Remote Areas: Special educational centres will be launched in each district to support skill-based and distance learning, coordinated by the Uttarakhand Open University.
- Glacier & Disaster Management Initiative: Regular scientific monitoring of the Gangotri and other Himalayan glaciers will be initiated, with disaster management systems being upgraded for predictive response.
Compassion for Disaster Victims, Commitment to Swift Recovery
CM Dhami expressed deep condolences to families affected by recent natural calamities in the state, especially in Dharali (Uttarkashi). He praised the quick response of the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and state departments, while promising faster rehabilitation work backed by compassion and urgency.
From Devbhoomi to Developed State: A Vision in Motion
Calling Uttarakhand both a Devbhoomi (land of gods) and Veerbhoomi (land of the brave), CM Dhami reiterated his government’s mission to make the state self-reliant, inclusive, and globally competitive. He outlined major ongoing and completed initiatives:
- Over ₹3.56 lakh crore worth of MoUs signed during the Global Investors Summit
- Plans for a Smart Industrial Township in Kichha
- Creation of a ₹200 crore venture fund and startup incubation centres
- 23 sports academies to be established in 8 cities under a state sports legacy plan
- Development of Spiritual Economic Zones in Garhwal and Kumaon
- Promotion of yoga, wellness, and eco-tourism under a new yoga policy
Boosting the Economy, Governance, and Infrastructure
Dhami highlighted remarkable strides:
- 24,000+ govt jobs given out since strict anti-cheating law enforcement
- 4.4% drop in unemployment, 11.3% increase in per capita income
- Implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) — a national first
- Introduction of stronger anti-conversion laws and large-scale anti-encroachment drives
- Landmark initiatives like Operation Kaalnemi to protect Sanatan cultural values
He also credited PM Modi’s leadership in national infrastructure projects like Delhi–Dehradun Elevated Road, Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail, Vande Bharat Express, and All Weather Roads, which are boosting state connectivity.
New-Age Tourism and Agriculture
Uttarakhand is rapidly positioning itself as a hub for religious tourism, adventure, wellness, film shoots, and weddings, said Dhami. Under new tourism policies and the Mandir Mala Mission, spiritual circuits like Kedarkhand and Manaskhand are being developed.
In agriculture, innovative schemes like zero-interest farm loans, 80% subsidy on equipment, and ₹200 crore investment in polyhouse farming are already in effect. The government is also pushing policies like the Millet Mission, Kiwi Policy, Apple Policy, and Dragon Fruit Strategy to boost farmer incomes.
Digital Governance and Transparent Administration
From the Apuni Sarkar portal to helplines like 1905 and 1064, CM Dhami highlighted how digital platforms are reshaping service delivery and citizen engagement. With e-office, e-cabinet, and transparency reforms, the state is seeing real-time improvements in efficiency.
In Attendance
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including former CM and Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, Rajya Sabha MPs Mahendra Bhatt and Naresh Bansal, MLAs, senior bureaucrats, and security officials.
