Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s economic landscape has undergone significant changes over the 25 years since the state was formed, with the initial focus on industrial development gradually expanding to sectors such as tourism, education, healthcare, IT and digital services.
The assessment was shared by Professor H.C. Purohit, Dean, Faculty of Management, Doon University, during a virtual lecture on “Uttarakhand Economic @25 and Future Prospects”, organised by the Shri Trilochan Upreti Memorial Himalayan Research Institute.
Economic Transformation Over 25 Years
Purohit said the period between 2000 and 2010 saw industrial expansion and the establishment of the State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIDCUL), which contributed to the state’s industrial growth.
Read Also: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Transfers ₹146.32 Crore to 9.87 Lakh Pension Beneficiaries
According to him, the subsequent period saw greater expansion in education, healthcare and tourism, while the period after 2020 brought increased attention to startups, IT, digital services and the green economy.
Tourism Sees Major Expansion
Tourism has emerged as one of the prominent sectors in Uttarakhand’s economic development.
Purohit noted that the number of domestic tourists visiting Uttarakhand increased from around 1.11 crore in 2000 to approximately 5.46 crore in 2023.
He highlighted the scope for expanding tourism beyond the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit by promoting:
- Wildlife tourism
- Adventure tourism
- Nature-based tourism
- Local employment and entrepreneurship linked to tourism
Education Adapts to Digital Transformation
Education has also become an important part of Uttarakhand’s changing economic landscape.
Purohit pointed to the adoption of smart classrooms, ICT-enabled education, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, multidisciplinary education and the Academic Bank of Credits over the past 25 years.
He stressed the need to connect education with artificial intelligence, innovation, research and industry requirements.
Focus on Mountain Economy and Local Products
For Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions, Purohit emphasised sectors and activities including:
- Horticulture
- Organic farming
- Processing of local products
- Value addition
- Women’s education and economic participation
He said these areas should receive attention as the state looks at its economic prospects for the coming years.
Balancing Economic Development With Environment
As a Himalayan state, Uttarakhand faces the need to balance economic development with environmental protection, Purohit said.
He identified tourism, IT, education, healthcare, skill development and local entrepreneurship as areas that could form part of the state’s economic model over the next 25 years.
He also said technology, local entrepreneurship and the green economy could play an important role in shaping Uttarakhand’s economic direction in the coming years.
Read Also: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Approves ₹96 Lakh for Nanakmatta, ₹80 Crore for Kumbh Mela 2027
