Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while replying to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address in the Assembly at the summer capital Gairsain (Bharadisain), said that any attempt to tamper with Sanatan culture would not be tolerated. He asserted that madrasas were “factories of terrorism” and stated that such institutions were being shut down in the state.
Presenting an overview of the government’s achievements, policies, and future plans, the Chief Minister said the state government was working with a firm resolve to make Uttarakhand a prosperous, strong, and self-reliant state.
Dhami began his address by paying tribute to the deities of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country, and the activists of the Uttarakhand statehood movement. He said the sacrifices and struggles of the movement’s participants had enabled Uttarakhand to progress toward new heights of development.
Gairsain Symbol of People’s Aspirations
The Chief Minister said Gairsain is not merely a geographical location for the government but a symbol of the aspirations, hopes, and self-respect of the people of the hills. He noted that the town represents the very resolve behind the Uttarakhand statehood movement and that the government has tried to ensure that Gairsain remains central to its policies and governance.
Commitment to Fulfil Vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Dhami said the creation of Uttarakhand was made possible by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He added that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state is gaining new direction and momentum. Recalling Modi’s statement from Kedarnath in 2021 that “the third decade of the 21st century will belong to Uttarakhand,” Dhami said the government is working with full commitment to realise that vision.
Historic Budget Presented
The Chief Minister described the budget for 2026–27 as historic, with a total outlay of ₹1.11 lakh crore, about 10 per cent higher than the previous year. He said the budget was not merely a financial statement but a reflection of the aspirations of the state’s 12.5 million residents.
According to Dhami, the budget focuses on women’s empowerment, youth welfare, farmers’ prosperity, science and innovation, cultural heritage protection, and tourism expansion.
Implementation of Development Plans
Responding to opposition criticism, the Chief Minister said his government does not merely make announcements but ensures timely implementation. Out of 3,885 announcements, 2,408 have already been implemented, while work on the remaining projects is underway.
Dhami stated that Uttarakhand’s economy has grown significantly in the past four years, with the state’s GSDP rising and per capita income increasing by about 41 per cent. The state budget has expanded from around Rs 60,000 crore to over Rs 1.11 lakh crore.
More than 30 new policies have been introduced to boost employment and self-employment. Over 20,000 new industries have been established, while the number of startups has increased from about 700 to nearly 1,750. Tourism, hotels, and homestays have also grown rapidly, generating new job opportunities.
Action Against Cheating Mafia and Corruption
The Chief Minister said the government has taken strict action against exam cheating networks and corruption. Uttarakhand has implemented one of the strictest anti-cheating laws in the country, ensuring transparency in recruitment exams. Over 30,000 youths have received government jobs in the past four and a half years, and action has been taken against more than 200 individuals, including senior officials, in corruption cases.
Uniform Civil Code and Cultural Protection
Dhami said Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, which he described as a historic decision ensuring equal rights, particularly for women. The government has also enacted stricter land laws and anti-conversion legislation to protect the state’s cultural identity.
Major Development Projects
He said development projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore are underway with support from the central government. Major infrastructure initiatives include the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project, the Char Dham All-Weather Road project, and multiple ropeway projects to strengthen connectivity.
Farmers are being provided interest-free loans up to ₹3 lakh, along with subsidies of up to 80 percent on agricultural equipment. Around 1.7 lakh women in the state have become “Lakhpati Didis” through government schemes. Various programmes are also promoting employment, skill development, and entrepreneurship among youth.
Dhami said tourism remains a key pillar of Uttarakhand’s economy. The government is promoting religious, adventure, eco, and wellness tourism. Development of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temples, winter pilgrimages, film tourism, and international events are helping strengthen the state’s global profile.
Campaign Against ‘Jihad’ Activities
In his speech, the Chief Minister reiterated that attempts to disturb the cultural ethos of Devbhoomi would not be tolerated. He said the government would continue its campaigns against “land jihad,” “spit jihad,” and “love jihad.”
