Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a Yuva Vidyarthi Samvad programme in Kashipur, where he interacted with students and discussed the role of young people in building a developed Uttarakhand and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The programme, organised at a private hotel in Kashipur, saw participation from more than 1,400 students from 17 schools. The Chief Minister listened to students’ views and suggestions and responded to their questions on education, employment, technology, the Agniveer scheme, cybercrime, artificial intelligence and corruption.
Dhami Highlights Youth Role in Viksit Bharat 2047
Addressing the students, Dhami said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and young people will have an important role in achieving this objective.
He said young people have a new vision, out-of-the-box thinking and the determination to turn their ideas into reality. According to the Chief Minister, interactions with students across Uttarakhand have reinforced his view that the younger generation is aware of issues and has a strong understanding of different subjects.
Dhami also referred to the state government’s initiative seeking suggestions from young people under “Mere Sapno Ka Uttarakhand”. He said students had provided suggestions on several issues concerning the state’s future.
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Government Focuses on Education and Student Opportunities
The Chief Minister said the government is working to ensure that talented students do not miss opportunities because of a lack of resources.
He highlighted several initiatives related to education and technology, including:
- Expansion of the virtual classroom network across Uttarakhand.
- 189 Atal Utkrisht Schools operating in the state.
- Implementation of an NCERT-based curriculum in government schools.
- Financial assistance for girl students under the Nanda Gaura Yojana.
- Development of a Science City in Dehradun, described as the country’s fifth Science City.
- Promotion of STEM labs, science and innovation activities and children’s science programmes.
Dhami said these initiatives are aimed at strengthening scientific thinking, creativity, practical learning and technology-related skills among students.
Focus on Jobs, Startups and Skill Development
Dhami said the government wants young people to think beyond becoming job seekers and also consider becoming job creators.
He highlighted the promotion of startups and innovation in the state and said efforts are being made to connect young people with modern, demand-based skills.
The Chief Minister also said the government is working to create industrial and employment opportunities within Uttarakhand so that young people do not have to leave their homes and the state in search of opportunities.
He also highlighted the development of sports policies and sports complexes aimed at creating better opportunities for young people in the sports sector.
Students Raise Questions on Employment, Agniveer Scheme and AI
During the interaction, students including Shaurya, Daksh, Chandra, Prabhjot, Khushi, Simran, Katyayani, Aarti, Vaishnavi and Adrika asked questions on several issues.
The Chief Minister responded to questions concerning the Youth Commission, Uttarakhand’s development, the Agniveer scheme, cybercrime and artificial intelligence.
On a question from student Shaurya, Dhami said the Youth Commission would work towards creating employment opportunities for young people after they complete their education and help connect them with government services.
Responding to Daksh’s question about the “Uttarakhand of our dreams”, Dhami said the government aims to create a state where young people do not have to migrate for education, employment and skill development. He also highlighted efforts to provide modern healthcare, education and connectivity facilities within the state.
The Chief Minister also said farmers should have access to local markets so that they can receive appropriate prices for their agricultural produce.
Government Planning Agniveer Cell
Responding to a question from student Chandra about the future of Agniveer soldiers, Dhami said the government is focused on their future and is working towards establishing an Agniveer Cell.
The proposed cell is intended to support efforts related to the future opportunities of Agniveers.
CM Calls AI Both a Challenge and Opportunity
On artificial intelligence and technology, Dhami described AI as both a challenge and an opportunity.
He advised students to keep pace with technological developments and not remain unfamiliar with emerging technologies.
The Chief Minister said advances in science and technology and new research have made many difficult tasks easier, making it important for young people to adapt to changing technological requirements.
Dhami Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Policy on Corruption
Corruption was also raised during the student interaction. Responding to student Prabhjot’s question, Dhami reiterated the state government’s commitment to building a transparent and corruption-free Uttarakhand.
He said the government is following a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and is committed to addressing the issue.
Dhami urged citizens to report cases where someone demands a bribe or applies improper pressure in exchange for government work.
He said complaints can be filed through the toll-free number 1064 or the relevant mobile application. According to the Chief Minister, the identity of complainants is kept confidential and complaints are examined by special teams.
Dhami Urges Students to Believe in Themselves
Dhami told students that the government can provide opportunities, resources and platforms, but converting those opportunities into success depends on the efforts of young people themselves.
He encouraged students to work hard, focus on their studies and maintain confidence in themselves.
Referring to former President and scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Dhami said his life remains an example of how determination and a willingness to learn can help people overcome difficult circumstances.
He also urged young people to stay away from drugs, describing substance abuse as a major challenge that can affect not only individuals but also their families. He called upon students to encourage their friends and peers to stay away from drugs.
Youth Seen as Key to Uttarakhand’s Development
Dhami said young people are central to Uttarakhand’s development journey and that their ideas, skills and hard work can help take the state to new levels of development.
He expressed confidence that talented and hardworking young people would contribute to the government’s goal of making Uttarakhand a leading state.
The Chief Minister also answered students’ questions in detail and explained the government’s priorities and upcoming initiatives during the interaction.
Several elected representatives, officials and public representatives attended the programme, including MLA Trilok Singh Cheema, Mayor Deepak Bali, Uttam Dutta, Farzana Begum, Manjeet Singh Raju, Surendra Singh Namdhari, Mukesh Kumar, district president Manoj Pal, Khilendra Chaudhary, Mohan Pal, Gurvinder Singh Chandok and SSP Ajay Ganpati, along with other officials and representatives.
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