Pauri. The upcoming state budget will be prepared with public participation, and suggestions from the public will be incorporated into policies. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated this during a pre-budget dialogue held at the multi-purpose building in Ransi, Pauri district.
He stated that the budget is not merely a document of income and expenditure, but a roadmap for building a developed Uttarakhand, in which participation of every section is being ensured.
Suggestions from various sections of the society
Public representatives, farmers, entrepreneurs, women self-help groups, tourism businesses, fishermen, agricultural scientists, and local body representatives from various districts of the state participated in the program and offered suggestions for the upcoming budget.
Expressing gratitude to all participants, the Chief Minister said that the suggestions received will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s development direction.
Budget process to be transparent and participatory
The Chief Minister stated that the government is making the budget formulation process transparent and people-oriented. By communicating with marginalized areas, it is being ensured that the benefits of development reach the last person.
He stated that the state has seen rapid progress in the areas of tourism, agriculture, industry, women’s empowerment, homestays, and self-employment, and that new employment opportunities have been created at the local level.
Goal of Self-Reliant Uttarakhand by 2047
The Chief Minister reiterated his resolve to make Uttarakhand a self-reliant and leading state by 2047 and said that the budget prepared with public participation will give new impetus to the state’s development journey.
Key Suggestions Made During the Dialogue
Rural and Urban Development
- Increase in Rural Development Grants
- Solid Waste Management and Sewerage Systems
- Empowering Panchayats
- Solar Plant Operation
- Increasing Municipal Resources
- Strengthening Parking and Sanitation Systems
Agriculture and Horticulture
- Promotion of Mountain Agriculture
- Promotion of High-Value Crops and Horticulture
- Crop Protection from Wild Animals
- Cold Storage and Cluster-Based Farming
- District-Level Processing Centers
Industry and Employment
- Capital Subsidies for Industries in Mountainous Areas
- Interest Subsidies and Machinery Discounts
- Linking ITIs and Polytechnics with Industries
- Women’s Empowerment
- Training Centers in Every District
- Interest-Free Loans
- Priority in Local Services
- Tourism
- Concessional Loans for Homestays
- Expansion of Heli Services
- Development of Small Tourist Destinations
- Promotion of Agri and Nature Tourism Promoting
Energy and Other Sectors
- Strengthening the Energy Network
- Preservation and Beautification of Historical Sites
Officials Also Expressed Their Opinions
Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar stated that the purpose of this dialogue is to align the budget with public sentiment and local needs.
District Magistrate Swati S. Bhadauria described it as a step to strengthen public confidence.
Officials from various departments, public representatives, and over 200 stakeholders were present at the event.
This public participation-based budget initiative is considered an important step towards the state’s balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development, which is expected to directly benefit the mountainous regions, farmers, youth, and women.
