Uttarakhand Cabinet Greenlights Veer Udyam Yojana 2026 for Ex-Servicemen Entrepreneurs
In a significant move to bolster economic opportunities for veterans, the Uttarakhand state cabinet has given its approval to the Uttarakhand Veer Udyam Yojana 2026. This initiative is specifically designed to assist ex-servicemen and former Agniveers in establishing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The scheme operates as a supplementary program to the existing Mukhyamantri Swarojgar Yojana, with a dedicated reservation of 10% of its targets for these veterans.
Enhanced Subsidies and Family Benefits
Secretary Shailesh Bagauli detailed the subsidy structure, which varies based on project location and scale:
- Hilly Areas: Subsidies of 30% for projects up to Rs 2 lakh, 25% for Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, and 30% for Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
- Plain Areas: Subsidies of 25% for projects up to Rs 2 lakh, 20% for Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, and 15% for Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
Additionally, the cabinet approved extra benefits for families where both spouses are ex-servicemen or former Agniveers, including an additional 5% subsidy to further support their entrepreneurial ventures.
Property Damage Recovery Rules Enacted
In a parallel decision, the cabinet cleared the implementation rules for the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Recovery Act. This legislation empowers authorities to impose stringent penalties for damage to property during riots, including:
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines reaching Rs 10 lakh.
- Recovery of compensation as arrears of land revenue by the district collector if not paid voluntarily.
- Publication of defaulters' names and photographs in public places, with costs recoverable from the individuals.
Organizers of events or protests must now seek prior permission from district magistrates and police authorities, submitting an undertaking to accept full financial responsibility for any damages, as per the Uttarakhand Police Act, 2007.
Emphasis on Digital Evidence and Adjudication
To strengthen conviction and recovery processes, the rules mandate the use of digital evidence, such as mandatory videography. Such footage must be certified by an executive magistrate to be valid under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Damage claims will be handled by dedicated claims tribunals, with chairpersons appointed by a committee including the chief secretary and principal secretaries of home and justice. Claims must include expert assessments considering factors like construction age and market rates.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
The cabinet also approved several administrative and policy measures:
- Reducing the minimum service requirement for the chief administrative officer in the forest department from 25 years to 22 years, aligning with personnel department norms.
- Appointing experts from the National Institute for Electronics and Information Technology to train police personnel, supporting digitization and computer-based investigation systems post-BNS implementation.
- Retaining existing age and height requirements for uniformed constable and sub-inspector posts across departments like Police, PAC, IIRB, fire services, and forest for the next three years.
- Approving wheat procurement under the decentralized system for the Rabi marketing season 2026-27 at the minimum support price of Rs 2,585 per quintal, with a state target of 2.2 lakh metric tonnes.
These comprehensive decisions reflect the state's commitment to supporting veterans, maintaining public order, and streamlining administrative processes for enhanced governance and economic growth.
