Banbasa, Uttarakhand: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday reiterated the Uttarakhand government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth while chairing a pre-budget dialogue at the NHPC Banbasa Auditorium. The interaction focused on incorporating public input into the state budget to ensure balanced and people-centric development.
Emphasis on Citizen Participation in Budget-Making
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the state budget plays a crucial role in shaping Uttarakhand’s future and derives its true value only through active public participation. He assured that suggestions and feedback received during the dialogue would be carefully examined and incorporated into the forthcoming budget wherever feasible.
Dialogue Led by Chief Minister’s Office
The pre-budget consultation was led by Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, Manmohan Mainali, and witnessed participation from public representatives, senior government officials, subject experts and stakeholders from various sectors. Discussions centred on the state’s long-term development strategy, strengthening a self-reliant economy and widening public engagement in governance.
State’s Financial Growth Highlighted
Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar highlighted Uttarakhand’s financial progress, noting that the state’s capital outlay has nearly doubled over the past five years, increasing from Rs 7,534 crore to Rs 14,765 crore. He also pointed out that Uttarakhand’s Gross Domestic Product has grown by nearly 60 per cent, rising from Rs 2.54 lakh crore in 2021–22 to Rs 4.74 lakh crore at present, describing the growth as a major economic achievement.
Vision for a Self-Reliant Uttarakhand by 2047
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to make Uttarakhand self-reliant across all sectors by 2047. “Despite being a small state, Uttarakhand has secured a leading position in financial management across the country. This is a matter of pride for all of us,” he said.
Focus on Women’s Safety and Sanitation
Emphasising women’s safety and public hygiene, Dhami announced plans to provide facilities such as pink toilets in every village, underscoring the government’s focus on gender-sensitive and inclusive infrastructure.
Wide-Ranging Proposals Presented
A wide range of proposals were presented during the dialogue, covering rural and urban development, agriculture, horticulture, industry, tourism, women’s empowerment and infrastructure. The Chief Minister said the government is framing policies by considering the expectations of all sections of society and urged those who have not yet shared suggestions to do so.
Silver Jubilee Year and Road Ahead
Reflecting on Uttarakhand’s Silver Jubilee year, Dhami said the state has achieved several milestones and must now move forward with renewed determination. He expressed confidence that collective and sincere efforts would help Uttarakhand reach new heights of development, ensuring that every policy decision reflects the aspirations of its people.
