A proactive Government is necessary for addressing societal issues, building a better future, crisis management, and fostering innovation. By taking a proactive approach, the Government can identify potential issues and address them before they become significant problems, prevent social and economic issues such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, and crime. Investing in education, science and technology, and infrastructure can create a more prosperous and stable future for a nation. In times of crisis such as natural disasters, pandemics, or economic recessions, a proactive Government can take swift and effective action to mitigate the impact and help affected citizens.
A proactive Government can also implement policies and programs to prepare for future crises, ensuring that the country is better equipped to handle such situations. Additionally, a proactive Government can support innovation and entrepreneurship by creating an environment that encourages new ideas and experimentation, leading to the creation of new industries, jobs, and economic growth. The Government of Uttarakhand has recently come up some core decisions regarding the administration of the state. Let us proceed further to analyze these decisions.
What are the Key Decisions and what is the expected outcome?
Several important decisions were made at the Uttarakhand state cabinet meeting. The Startup Policy 2023 was approved, which was created after examining the policies of all states. Uttarakhand will benefit from this policy as startups will come to work here from Delhi. The following are the decisions taken by the cabinet;
The format of RERA has been created, with 31 positions established. A school for differently-abled children will be opened in Purkul, on 3000 square meters of Government land. A multi-story parking lot will be built in place of the PWD Guest House in Mussoorie. The deadline for its completion has been extended to 15 meters. The Rishikesh branch of AIIMS will be opened near Kichha. The master plan is within one kilometer of the boundary in all four directions. Until then, construction will be stopped. A lab will be built for the Government ITI in Sahaspur.
The impact of these developments on society can be both positive and negative, depending on various factors. Here are some possible impacts; The implementation of RERA can bring transparency and accountability to the real estate sector, which can help to protect the interests of homebuyers and increase their confidence in the sector. The opening of a school for differently-abled children can help to provide them with access to education and improve their social inclusion, which can have a positive impact on their lives and the community as a whole.
The construction of a multi-story parking lot can help to ease traffic congestion and parking issues, which can improve the convenience of the local residents and visitors. The opening of the AIIMS branch in Rishikesh can help to improve the quality of healthcare in the region and provide better access to medical facilities for the local population. The construction of an ITI lab can help to provide skill development and vocational training to the local youth, which can improve their employability and contribute to the economic development of the region.
However, there can also be negative impacts of these developments, such as displacement of local communities, environmental degradation, and social conflicts. It is important for the Government and other stakeholders to consider these potential impacts and take measures to mitigate them, while ensuring the benefits of these developments are maximized.
Another set of Decisions that has been approved by the Cabinet is as follows;
A Sports committee was formed to oversee Chief Minister’s Sports Development Fund. It is a Six-member committee under the chairmanship of the CM and CS, Sports Secretary as members. The Startup Policy 2023 was also approved by the cabinet. It has been made after looking at the policies of other states of the Union. Under the new decisions, Private developers can now build private industrial estates.
The Government will spend 2% of the investment. Investors can also now build industrial estates on 2 acres in the mountain and 30 acres in the field. Another decision taken pertains to the premises of the civil court in Khatima, where land will be leased for 90 years for the lawyer’s chamber. Single-use plastic of 120 microns was also banned by the cabinet. The potential impacts of these types of developments on society are worth to consider, the creation of a committee to oversee sports development may lead to increased investment in sports infrastructure and programs, which could have positive impacts on public health and quality of life.
However, the success of these efforts will depend on effective management and investment of resources. Also, the approval of a startup policy could lead to increased economic activity and job creation, particularly in the technology sector. The success of startup initiatives will depend on the availability of resources and support services for entrepreneurs, as well as market demand. The Cabinet by encouraging private development of industrial estates could lead to increased economic activity and job creation, but may also have environmental and social impacts that need to be carefully managed.
It is also worthwhile to note that investment in industrial estate development could create jobs and stimulate economic growth, but may also have environmental and social impacts that need to be carefully managed. Providing land for a lawyers’ chamber could benefit the legal profession, but may have limited impact on the wider society.
Lastly, banning single-use plastics could have positive environmental impacts, reducing litter and pollution. However, the effectiveness of such a policy will depend on the enforcement and public compliance with the ban.
The decisions taken by the cabinet do not end here, the cabinet also decided the following;
The cabinet approved the implementation of the agriculture-State Millet Mission, the mission is expected to have a positive impact on society in several ways:
By including millets in the mid-day meal program and providing it at a subsidized rate through ration shops, the program is likely to improve the nutritional status of people, especially children who are the most vulnerable to malnutrition. By procuring millets directly from farmers and providing a fair price, the program is likely to support the livelihoods of farmers, especially small and marginal farmers who may not have access to markets and may be vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen. Millets are a traditional crop that is well-adapted to the local environment and can provide a source of food security.
The program’s focus on promoting the consumption of millets is likely to help preserve and promote local food cultures. The program’s investment in millet procurement and distribution is likely to have a positive economic impact, creating jobs in the agriculture sector and supporting local food systems.
Overall, the Agriculture-State Millet Mission is likely to have a positive impact on nutrition, livelihoods, local food systems, and the economy, which could help improve the well-being of the people in the targeted regions.
An Eco-Tourism Committee has been also been decided to be formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to promote tourism in the forests.
The Tourism Secretary will also be a part of this committee, which will also address tourism-related issues. Also, a decision has been taken to set up a state-level institution to increase the marketing of small self-help groups’ products. It will ensure that products are being sold well in the market. The formation of an Eco-Tourism Committee under the leadership of the Chief Secretary can help in promoting sustainable tourism and conserving forest resources. This can lead to the creation of new job opportunities, especially in rural areas, and boost the local economy.
The establishment of a state-level organization to market the products of small self-help groups can help in promoting entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities. It can also help in improving the income of individuals and families in rural areas. It is also noteworthy that there are over 52 such decisions that have been taken up by Team Dhami for the betterment of the state of Uttarakhand. However, it is not possible to illuminate and analyse every decision.
Conclusion
The proactive measures taken by the Government of Pushkar Singh Dhami are commendable and are a testimony to their commitment towards improving the lives of the citizens of Uttarakhand. The recent policies introduced by the Government, such as the agriculture-State Millet Mission and the establishment of the Eco-Tourism Committee; reflect their focus on promoting sustainable development and uplifting local communities.
The decision to create a state-level institution to market products of small self-help groups is a step in the right direction towards empowering rural economies. Overall, the proactiveness of the Government of Pushkar Singh Dhami has the potential to bring about positive change in the state and improve the standard of living for its people.
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