HARIDWAR: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on March 7 addressed a massive public gathering at Bairagi Camp in Haridwar as part of the programme marking four years of the Uttarakhand government. During his address, Shah spoke about the state’s development journey, key reforms introduced by the central government, and the need to tackle illegal infiltration.
Recalling the history of the Uttarakhand statehood movement, Shah said the youth of the region had to take to the streets to protect their identity, culture and rights. He referred to the tragic Rampur Tiraha incident, which symbolised the sacrifices made during the struggle for statehood. Shah noted that after coming to power at the Centre, the government led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee created new states including Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, which are now progressing rapidly on the path of development.
Shah said the creation of Uttarakhand was Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working to transform and strengthen the state. According to him, the period between 2017 and 2026 has been dedicated to the development of Uttarakhand, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressing longstanding issues and accelerating the pace of growth.
Speaking about legal reforms, the Home Minister urged citizens, particularly members of the legal community, to examine the newly introduced criminal laws replacing the British-era legislation. He said the reforms aim to modernise India’s justice system and ensure that cases—from the filing of an FIR to the final verdict in the Supreme Court—can be resolved within three years.
Shah also welcomed refugees who have obtained Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), stating that persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan had come to India to protect their faith and dignity.
Shah Hails Anti-Cheating Laws
Highlighting governance reforms in Uttarakhand, Shah praised the state government for introducing strict anti-cheating laws in recruitment examinations, which he said have helped restore transparency in government job appointments. He congratulated nearly 1,900 young recruits who recently received appointment letters as constables in the Uttarakhand Police.
Shah further said the government is determined to remove illegal encroachments and tackle infiltration across the country. He lauded the Dhami government’s efforts to clear thousands of acres of encroached government land in Uttarakhand and reiterated that the Centre remains committed to ensuring demographic balance and national security.
He also mentioned the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar in 2027, expressing confidence that the event would surpass previous records. The Home Minister highlighted the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to strengthen development in border villages and prevent migration from remote regions.
Shah noted that financial assistance from the central government to Uttarakhand has increased significantly over the past decade, enabling major infrastructure projects such as all-weather roads, improved rail and highway connectivity, and the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor.
CM Dhami Lauds Central Leadership
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, addressing the gathering, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for providing strong leadership and support to the state. He highlighted achievements of the Uttarakhand government, including investment initiatives, infrastructure development, tourism promotion and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.
Dhami said that under the guidance of the central leadership, the state government has taken several significant steps to boost economic growth, strengthen cultural heritage and improve governance in Uttarakhand. He added that the government is also taking strict action against illegal infiltration and land mafias through special verification drives and regulatory measures.
The event was attended by several Union ministers, Members of Parliament, state ministers and senior political leaders from Uttarakhand.
