Dehradun: Uttarakhand has outlined key priorities for its long-term development strategy under the “Developed Uttarakhand-2047” vision, with emphasis on economic growth, employment, environmental sustainability, infrastructure and technology-enabled governance.
The roadmap was discussed during a governing body meeting of the Uttarakhand State Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance (USCPPGG), chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Secretariat on Thursday. The meeting focused on aligning policymaking with the state’s distinctive Himalayan geography, future requirements and development challenges.
Research-Based Policymaking to Drive Development
Dhami stressed that research, innovation and effective implementation should form the foundation of policy formulation.
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Officials were asked to use findings from research and studies to improve the effectiveness of government schemes and policies. The Chief Minister also called for case studies documenting successful initiatives and notable achievements across different sectors.
The meeting also emphasised:
- Data- and research-driven policymaking
- Regular evaluation of government schemes
- Annual monitoring of development targets
- Training and capacity building of officials
- Greater involvement of universities in policy research
Eight Key Areas Identified for Uttarakhand-2047
The state’s long-term development strategy will focus on several broad areas, including:
- Economic development and employment
- Human resources and welfare
- Forests, biodiversity and climate adaptation
- Infrastructure development
- Local governance and balanced regional development
- Technology-enabled good governance
The strategy seeks to combine economic expansion and employment generation with environmental protection and sustainable development.
MSMEs and Home Tourism Get Push
Members of the governing body suggested promoting a high-value, low-volume economic model suited to the state’s mountainous regions, alongside a stronger focus on MSMEs.
The meeting also discussed promoting homestays and home tourism in hill areas. The approach is aimed at creating local employment and self-employment opportunities while supporting economic activity closer to communities.
Universities to Support State-Focused Research
The government agreed to provide stipends for capstone projects undertaken by 10 postgraduate students from major universities each year.
The initiative is intended to encourage research on subjects relevant to Uttarakhand’s priorities and strengthen the connection between academic institutions and state policymaking.
Universities will also be encouraged to undertake studies on the state’s development opportunities, challenges and future requirements.
Officials to Receive Greater Training
The meeting called for stronger capacity building of officials, including at the block level.
The objective is to improve implementation of government programmes and ensure that policy decisions translate into measurable outcomes at the grassroots level.
Members also recommended using the state’s achievements and development experiences as part of orientation and training programmes for officials.
SDG Monitoring and Policy Evaluation
The meeting reviewed work being undertaken by USCPPGG in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Discussions included localisation and monitoring of SDGs, policy evaluation and research on subjects linked to the state’s priorities.
The meeting was also informed that Uttarakhand ranks first among Himalayan states in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
‘Uttarakhand at 25’ Book Released
Dhami also released the book ‘Uttarakhand at 25: A Himalayan State with Infinite Possibilities’, which documents the state’s 25-year journey and examines its development potential and future opportunities. The book has also been used to highlight the state’s experience across sectors including education, entrepreneurship and technology adoption.
The meeting concluded with directions to examine the suggestions made by governing body members and take necessary action on those found relevant to the state’s long-term development priorities.
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