Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called for greater use of research, innovation and data in policymaking to support the state’s long-term development. He made the remarks during a governing body meeting of the Uttarakhand State Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance (USCPPGG) at the Secretariat.
Research to Guide Government Policies
CM Dhami said research findings should not remain confined to reports but should help improve government schemes and policy implementation. He also directed officials to prepare case studies of successful initiatives and strengthen training and capacity-building at the district level.
He stressed that Uttarakhand needs long-term planning based on its geography, strengths, challenges and future requirements.
Support for Young Researchers
The meeting decided to provide annual stipends to 10 postgraduate students studying at top universities in Uttarakhand for their capstone projects. The initiative will encourage research on issues important to the state’s development.
The governing body also recommended detailed studies on eight reform priorities, including healthcare improvement and soil-related issues.
MSMEs and Homestays to Create Local Jobs
Promoting high-value, low-volume products and strengthening MSMEs were among the key recommendations. The meeting also emphasised expanding homestay tourism in hill areas to create employment and self-employment opportunities for local residents.
These measures are aimed at strengthening local economies while making better use of Uttarakhand’s tourism and regional strengths.
Uttarakhand 2047 Vision Discussed
The meeting reviewed the Uttarakhand 2047 vision, covering economic growth, employment, human resources, forestry, biodiversity, climate change, infrastructure, local governance and technology-enabled good governance.
The state’s partnership with UNDP on Sustainable Development Goals was also discussed. According to the meeting, Uttarakhand ranks first among Himalayan states in SDG performance.
Book on Uttarakhand’s 25-Year Journey Launched
CM Dhami launched “Uttarakhand at 25: A Himalayan State with Infinite Possibilities,” highlighting the state’s 25-year journey and future opportunities.
He directed officials to examine useful recommendations made by governing body members and take necessary action. The focus on research, local businesses, tourism and technology is aimed at building a more sustainable and employment-oriented development model for Uttarakhand.
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