Gairsain: Following the indefinite adjournment of the assembly session in Bhararisain, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami outlined the government’s priorities in a media interaction. He emphasized providing jobs to youth, continuing government recruitments, repairing damaged roads, curbing migration from the hills, and empowering women. Expressing confidence in fulfilling the recruitment calendar prepared for 10,000 jobs while noting over 35,000 appointments made thus far, he also targeted Congress and opposition leaders for spreading confusion. Concluding his remarks, he conveyed a message of carrying forward the journey of development through poetic verses, saying, “We still have a long way to go.”
Confidence in Fulfilling Recruitment Calendar of 10,000 Jobs
The Chief Minister stated that when given the responsibility of Chief Minister for the first time, he had resolved to fill vacant posts honestly. The calendar prepared by the government for 10,000 jobs will be fully implemented, and the process of government recruitment will continue uninterrupted.
Comparing the continuity of recruitment processes to the Chardham Yatra, Dhami said that just as the Chardham Yatra continues on an ongoing basis, recruitment processes in the state will also keep moving forward. He mentioned that over 35,000 appointments have been made so far. However, in his interaction, he did not provide a detailed breakdown of the posts included in the recruitment calendar, department-wise vacancies, or the timeline for completing appointments.
Repair of Damaged Roads a Priority
Addressing the condition of roads across the state, the Chief Minister stated that fixing damaged roads is among his priorities. He shared that whenever a road appears damaged, he takes a picture of it and sends it to the concerned official so that attention is drawn to the problem and repair work progresses.
The Chief Minister noted that even after issuing instructions, if a road cannot be repaired immediately, he raises the issue before the concerned officials. In the hill state of Uttarakhand, road connectivity is tied to people’s daily needs. Roads are crucial for access from villages to cities, transporting patients to hospitals, and supporting local business activities.
Mention of Rehabilitation and Economic Arrangements for Project of National Importance
Mentioning a major project of national importance, the Chief Minister stated that large-scale rehabilitation is required under it, and Uttarakhand’s share in the project is relatively higher. He shared that an agreement has been reached among five states regarding this project connecting Himachal and Uttarakhand.
According to Dhami, Himachal Pradesh stated it would not draw water as it has no requirement for it. The major power project to be built under the initiative is estimated to cost over ₹3,000 crore, and the electricity generated from it will be shared by both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister stated that Himachal Pradesh is neither contributing funds to the construction work nor taking water. Consequently, the states that receive its share of water will pay approximately ₹1,500 crore. Citing Uttarakhand’s irrigation and drinking water needs, he spoke of arrangements for the Central Government to provide an interest-free government loan.
Addressing the question of rehabilitation, Dhami acknowledged that practical issues regarding land do exist. He stated that discussions will be held with all concerned individuals and stakeholders, and the project will be advanced with their consent.
Emphasis on Curbing Migration and Empowering Women
Reiterating the goal of making Uttarakhand the best state in the country, the Chief Minister stated that the government is working in this direction under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He cited curbing migration from the hills, providing employment to youth, empowering women, and strengthening basic infrastructure as the government’s core priorities.
Migration from hill regions to plains in search of employment and better facilities has long been a challenge for Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister highlighted employment and basic infrastructure as vital for the state’s development in his address.
Targeting Congress and Opposition
The Chief Minister accused Congress and opposition leaders of spreading politically motivated confusion and creating an atmosphere of anarchy. He alleged that certain leaders cannot stay out of power, and frustration and despair plague the opposition.
Referencing Uttarakhand’s culture and social decorum, Dhami accused opposition leaders of using unparliamentary language and misleading statements for political gains. Mentioning Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders, he alleged that certain leaders ignore the self-respect of the people of Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister asserted that the people of the state know everything.
Message of Progress Through Poetry
Concluding his interaction, the Chief Minister recited poetic verses to reiterate his resolve for the state’s development. Expressing the blessings of Devbhoomi, the trust of the people, and the spirit of taking Uttarakhand forward, he said:
Carrying the blessings of Devbhoomi, with the conch blast in our breath, we must step forward together, we must keep walking together.
We still have a long way to go, we still have a long way to go. With the trust of every single person, with new skies in our eyes.
We must raise a new sun, we must raise a new sun. We still have a long way to go, we still have a long way to go.
The Chief Minister reinforced the message of continuing the journey of development by bringing issues like employment, roads, migration, and women empowerment to the fore as the government’s priorities.
