Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed all departments to take swift and effective action to ensure the success of the state’s flagship initiative — the ‘Digital Uttarakhand’ platform. Reviewing progress at the Secretariat, Mr. Dhami emphasized that the integrated platform should offer simple, secure, and transparent access to citizen services, transforming governance delivery across the state.
The platform, being developed as a single digital access point, will consolidate services and schemes of the state government. Secretary (Information Technology) Mr. Nitesh Jha informed that it will help streamline administration through data-driven efficiency and improve accessibility for citizens.
Boost to Rural Entrepreneurship and ‘House of Himalayas’ Brand
During the meeting, Mr. Dhami also focused on game changer schemes under the Rural Development Department, including the Chief Minister Udyamshala Yojana, Growth Center Yojana, House of Himalayas, and Center of Excellence schemes. He set a target to raise the turnover of the state’s umbrella brand ‘House of Himalayas’ to Rs. 100 crore by 2030 and stressed the need for a concrete marketing strategy via Unity Mall.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that at least one smart village is developed in every development block. These villages will be equipped with basic infrastructure and employment opportunities to counter reverse migration and strengthen rural livelihoods. He also emphasized the promotion of women entrepreneurship through financial support, skill development, and market access under the Center of Excellence Scheme.
165,000 Women Become ‘Lakhpati Didi’; Target Set for One Lakh More
Secretary (Rural Development) Ms. Radhika Jha presented the progress of various schemes, highlighting that 1.65 lakh women in the state have already become ‘Lakhpati Didi’. The target is to add one lakh more in the next three years. Under the Chief Minister Udyamshala Yojana, 15,000 rural enterprises will be supported over three years. Over 150 state-based products are being included in the House of Himalayas initiative in a phased manner.
Urban Development: Focus on Cleanliness, Amenities, and Revenue Generation
In a separate review, Mr. Dhami directed officials of the Urban Development Department to ensure comprehensive cleanliness across all urban local bodies, enhance public awareness, and promote citizen participation in the Swachh Bharat Mission. He called for better civic amenities such as street lighting, sewer systems, parking, e-waste disposal, and beautification of parks.
Mr. Nitesh Jha (2002-batch IAS officer), Secretary (Urban Development), informed that Devbhoomi Silver Jubilee Parks with modern facilities like open gyms, yoga zones, and walking tracks are being developed and are scheduled for completion by November 9, 2026. The state is also implementing a plan to harvest 50 lakh litres of rainwater annually in urban areas and is setting up centralized control systems for managing street lights in all 11 municipal corporations.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Chief Secretary Mr. Anand Bardhan (1992-batch IAS officer), Principal Secretaries Mr. R.K. Sudhanshu (1997-batch IAS officer) and Mr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram (2001-batch IAS officer), Secretary Mr. Sridhar Babu Adanki (2008-batch IAS officer), and senior officers from Rural and Urban Development Departments.
