Pithoragarh: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 67 development projects worth more than ₹284 crore in Pithoragarh on Sunday, covering infrastructure, healthcare, education and other sectors.
The programme included the inauguration of 33 projects worth ₹105.30 crore and the foundation-laying ceremony for 34 projects costing ₹178.76 crore. Dhami also announced nine development-related initiatives for the district.
During the event, beneficiaries of self-employment schemes run by the industries, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries departments received cheques worth more than ₹1 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said the projects would strengthen roads, healthcare, education and other basic infrastructure. He reiterated the state government’s focus on developing border areas and expanding local employment opportunities.
₹284 Crore Development Package Covers 67 Projects
The projects inaugurated or initiated in Pithoragarh include works related to essential infrastructure and public services.
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The project details are as follows:
- Projects inaugurated: 33
- Cost of inaugurated projects: ₹105.30 crore
- Projects for which foundation stones were laid: 34
- Cost of these projects: ₹178.76 crore
- Total projects: 67
- Total reported cost: More than ₹284 crore
The Chief Minister also made nine announcements concerning the district’s development during the programme.
Pithoragarh Medical College Begins MBBS Admission Process
Dhami said the medical college being developed in Pithoragarh at a cost of more than ₹750 crore had begun its MBBS admission process.
The institution is expected to provide medical education opportunities to students in the border district.
He also highlighted road infrastructure projects, including the Pithoragarh–Bans–Amalghat road and bridge. According to the Chief Minister, the project will reduce the distance to Gangolihat and improve access to the Hat Kalika Temple.
Improved Connectivity to Support Adi Kailash Tourism
The Chief Minister said interest in the region had increased following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Adi Kailash.
He expressed the expectation that the number of pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage this year would exceed one lakh. The growing movement of visitors, he said, was creating employment opportunities for people associated with homestays, transport, local products and tourism-related businesses.
Dhami also referred to efforts to improve air connectivity from Pithoragarh to destinations including Munsiyari, Haldwani, Delhi and Dehradun.
Development work at Naini Saini Airport, estimated to cost approximately ₹450 crore, is underway, according to the Chief Minister.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta also addressed the programme. He said improved road connectivity had made travel to Gunji and Adi Kailash easier and highlighted the region’s religious and adventure tourism potential, along with the importance of healthcare development.
Government Jobs and Recruitment Reforms Highlighted
Dhami said the state government was committed to maintaining a fair and transparent recruitment system for young people.
He stated that action had been taken against people involved in recruitment-related fraud under stringent anti-cheating laws, with more than 100 people sent to jail.
The Chief Minister also said that over 35,000 young people had received government jobs in the state.
He referred to initiatives aimed at women’s economic empowerment, including the Lakhpati Didi scheme. He also highlighted state measures such as the Uniform Civil Code, stricter land laws and anti-riot legislation.
Dhami added that action was being taken under Operation Kalnemi against individuals allegedly misleading people through the use of false identities.
Self-Employment Support and Border Area Development
The distribution of cheques worth more than ₹1 crore to beneficiaries of self-employment schemes formed part of the programme’s focus on livelihood support.
The beneficiaries represented sectors including industries, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries.
Dhami reiterated that the state government was working to strengthen infrastructure in border areas and expand employment opportunities for local residents. The projects and initiatives announced in Pithoragarh cover connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism and livelihood-related activities.
