Uttarakhand Governor Emphasizes Balanced Development and Heritage in Budget Address
In a significant address at the budget session of the Uttarakhand state assembly in Gairsain on Monday, Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) outlined the government's comprehensive efforts towards infrastructural development and heritage preservation. The governor stressed the vision of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" (development along with heritage), highlighting a commitment to balanced growth, self-reliance, and prosperity for Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
Key Government Projects and Initiatives
The governor detailed several pivotal projects aimed at boosting regional and international cooperation. These include:
- Sharda Corridor Project: This initiative involves the reconstruction of Sharda Ghat, along with riverbank strengthening and drainage works to enhance infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
- Banbasa Land Port Project: Designed to promote cross-border trade, this project is expected to drive regional development and foster international partnerships.
Additionally, preparations for the Kumbh Mela 2027 are underway, with the state focusing on developing basic infrastructure to ensure a divine and grand organization of the pilgrimage.
Governance Reforms and Economic Progress
Governor Singh highlighted the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in January last year as a major governance reform. Under this, nine services are now available online, with over 5.27 lakh applications received and more than 99% disposed of efficiently. Services have been extended to villages through more than 15,000 common service centers, reinforcing the government's commitment to equality, transparency, and good governance.
On the economic front, Uttarakhand has secured the top position in the Export Preparedness Index among small states. Advancing the "local to global" vision aligned with the "vocal for local" initiative, the state has registered 22 trademarks, including 11 geographical indications (GI) and intellectual property rights (IPR) under the House of Himalayas brand.
Tourism Growth and Development Focus
Tourism remains a key priority, with the governor noting that over 44,000 devotees visited Char Dham sites in January and more than 50 lakh pilgrims participated in the Char Dham and Hemkund yatras last year. To boost winter tourism, a 50% discount is being offered at GMVN/KMVN guest houses. The Manskhand Mandir Mala Mission Yojana has been launched to preserve temples of historical and mythological significance.
Vision for Viksit Uttarakhand @2047
Aligning with the national Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, the governor emphasized the government's commitment to Viksit Uttarakhand @2047. This long-term strategy focuses on:
- Augmentation of the state's resources to ensure sustainable growth.
- Reverse migration in hill and border areas to promote population stability and development.
- Promotion of technology and innovation to drive economic progress.
- Creation of public capital assets and infrastructure development for enhanced public welfare.
Governor Singh expressed confidence that Uttarakhand is advancing on a path of prosperity and empowerment, with new heights of development expected in the coming year. He described this period as a "golden era" in terms of economic prosperity, social justice, women's welfare, and infrastructure development.
