The Chief Minister said that NITI Aayog should make a model of development in the Himalayan states, keeping in view the ecology, population density, floating population and environmental sensitivity, which should be based on science and technology. A special seminar should be organized for the Himalayan states under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The Chief Minister requested to organize it in Uttarakhand.
Drawing attention to some important policy points of the state of Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister requested that in the formulation of centrally funded schemes, keeping in mind the specific geographical conditions of the state, instead of ‘One Skim Fits All’, state-friendly ‘Taylor Made Skims’. ‘ Special attention should be given by the Government of India to the preparation. The state will get immense benefits from tourism, horticulture and aromatic plant based schemes. There is a strong need to start a massive program for the rejuvenation of water streams, which includes the construction of check dams and small reservoirs. This will require technical and financial support from the Government of India. Uttarakhand is providing important ecosystem service to the entire nation. These ecological services should also be taken into account in the allocation of resources among the states.
The Chief Minister said that in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the pressure of floating population falls on the infrastructure facilities. So far this year, about 30 lakh Chardham Yatris and more than four crore Kanwariyas have traveled in the state and the possibilities of continuous increase in this number are very strong. Most of the local bodies in the state are very small in size and their financial resources. Therefore, this important fact should also be kept in mind in the transfer of financial resources by the Central Government.
The Chief Minister said that after the year 2014, with the blessings of the Prime Minister, roads, railways, health services and various centrally funded schemes are progressing towards progressive progress. According to the master plan of the world famous pilgrimage site Badrinath, Kedarnath, the reconstruction work is also being done at a fast pace. Uttarakhand has been a leading state in achieving the goals of SDGs.
Giving information about the development works in various areas in the state, the Chief Minister said that there is immense potential for agricultural diversification in the state. Mandua, Jhingora, Madira, Ramdana, mountain pulses like Gath, Rajma etc. and medicinal and medicinal plants are being promoted continuously. The area and food processing capacity of apple and high value kiwi fruit is being expanded. Organic production of millet and nutritious cereal crops is being done in 38,500 hectare area in the state. The export of millets from the state to Denmark has been started. The process of cluster selection for natural farming has been completed in 6400 hectare area.
In order to promote the aromatic sector in the state, the Prime Minister inaugurated the State of the Art Laboratories and laid the foundation stone of the Center of Excellence for Aromatic Crops. Aroma Park has been established in 40 acres in the state. In which the establishment of Aroma Industries will generate investment of about Rs.300 crores and more than 5000 employment opportunities. Horti-tourism is being developed to promote tourism and horticulture in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the State has taken innovative initiatives in the field of wool by importing Marino sheep from Australia through Structured Breeding Program to improve quality and increase productivity. Value added milk products like Himalayan hard cheese and ghee are being produced in remote locations through small decentralized milk processing units. All the work required by the state for the Agri-stake portal being developed by the Government of India will be completed on time.
The Chief Minister said that the state of Uttarakhand is determined to implement the new education policy. Balvatikas have been started in 4457 co-located Anganwadi centers in the state. Various programs like “Praveshotsav”, “Aarohi”, “Kaushalam”, “Anandam”, “Vidya Setu” etc. are being conducted to comply with the National Education Policy. To promote online education, virtual class rooms have been set up in 500 schools of central studios and all 13 districts of the state. 08 Vocational Education courses have also been started in 200 schools.
