Dehradun. Uttarakhand made an impressive presence at the 17th meeting of the Central Zonal Council’s Standing Committee, held in Nava Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, by strongly presenting key development issues. Uttarakhand presented a total of 13 points, the highest number among other states participating in the Council. The Central Government expressed a positive attitude towards the issues raised by the state and assured necessary action. This meeting holds special significance for the state, as it effectively presented issues related to the state’s social, economic, administrative, and infrastructure at the central level.
Senior officials from Uttarakhand participated in the meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Forest and Environment, R.K. Sudhanshu. Senior officials from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Central Government attended the Council meeting. During the meeting, various issues related to the socio-economic development of the four states, improved implementation of schemes, resolution of pending cases, and strengthening mutual coordination were discussed in detail. Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu stated that all the issues raised by Uttarakhand were presented with solid arguments and a practical approach, which received a positive response from the Government of India.
He added that 11 key points raised at the previous Council meeting in Varanasi were retained for re-review. The meeting also reviewed the progress on these points. These included food security measures, action on sexual abuse of women and children and POCSO cases, fast track courts, prevention of malnutrition, ERSS-112, measures to strengthen cooperatives, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, and the establishment of bank branches and India Post Payments Bank near all villages. The meeting also discussed innovative initiatives and best practices being adopted by the states.
Uttarakhand presented its work related to the State-to-Invest Supply Chain Scheme, the Digital Education Management System (DEMS), and the enhancement and conservation of water resources under the SARA scheme, which received special appreciation. Other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, also made presentations. Principal Secretary for Forest and Environment R.K. Sudhanshu, Secretary for BVRC Purushottam, Secretary for Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary for General Administration Rajendra Kumar, Special Secretary for Home Nivedita Kukreti, and Special Secretary for Parag Madhukar Dhakate, along with other senior officials, participated in the meeting.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the Central Zonal Council’s Standing Committee meeting is an effective platform for strengthening coordination between states and addressing regional imbalances. He stated that Uttarakhand prioritized issues related to development, infrastructure, administrative processes, and public welfare in this meeting. Based on the consensus and suggestions received from the Council, the implementation of schemes in the state will be made more effective.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan held separate meetings with all departments prior to the Council meeting to thoroughly discuss the issues and prepare proposals. For the first time, Uttarakhand presented a maximum of 13 topics, while other states presented relatively fewer. Uttarakhand highlighted the establishment of a medical college, social security pensions, cow protection, restoration of disaster-damaged structures, rail and RRTS expansion, Anganwadi honorarium, rehabilitation of disaster-affected families, and forest laws.
The meeting also discussed in detail issues related to various central government ministries, including e-governance, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, education, health, rural development, railways, mining, fisheries, and the Jal Jeevan Mission. This meeting is considered an important platform for setting the agenda before the main Council meeting, providing direction for future decisions and development plans.
