DEHRADUN: Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah attended the Uttarakhand Statehood Day celebrations at Parade Ground in Dehradun, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 62 development projects valued at ₹1475.31 crore. Flanked by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the senior leader rolled out these vital infrastructure and welfare initiatives aimed at boosting the hill state's progress.
Breakdown of Infrastructure Projects
The extensive development package comprises 44 projects worth ₹1073.11 crore for which foundation stones were laid, alongside 18 completed projects valued at ₹402.20 crore that were formally inaugurated. These multifaceted ventures span across critical sectors including road networks, power supply, safe drinking water, educational upgrades, healthcare facilities, tourism promotion, urban development, and other essential civic amenities.
Stepping Stone for a Developed Nation
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah stated that Uttarakhand will serve as the primary stepping stone in the nationwide journey toward building a developed India by the year 2047. He noted that Statehood Day is a momentous occasion celebrating pride, achievements, and firm resolve. He recalled that the state was originally carved out by the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and under the current leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it continues to scale new heights of growth.
Economic Growth and Investment Milestones
Highlighting the state's economic indicators, the Home Minister pointed out that Uttarakhand has witnessed a 50 percent increase in its GSDP and a 40 percent rise in per capita income compared to the year 2022. Furthermore, out of the total investment pledges worth ₹3.56 lakh crores secured during the Global Investors Summit, projects exceeding one lakh crore rupees have already transitioned to ground implementation.
Key Legislative and Social Welfare Steps
Applauding the state administration's policy decisions, Shah praised the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, strict anti-cheating legislation, and anti-conversion laws. He shared that government employment has been provided to 35,000 youths in the state, while more than three lakh women have achieved financial independence as Lakhpati Didis.
Major Connectivity and Transit Projects
The Union Minister touched upon several large-scale infrastructure undertakings, including the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, the Char Dham All-Weather Road, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project, and ropeway systems at Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib. He emphasized that concerted efforts by both central and state administrations have injected fresh momentum into regional connectivity.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Addresses the Gathering
Welcoming the Union Home Minister, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the state government is working relentlessly under central guidance to make Uttarakhand prosperous. He noted that expansion in tourism, industry, self-employment, and basic infrastructure is strengthening the regional economy. Highlighting that Uttarakhand secured the top rank in NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals index, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Home Minister for conferring the prestigious President's Colours upon the Uttarakhand Police.
Awards and Bravery Honors Distributed
The ceremony featured a prominent awards presentation segment where the Home Minister and the Chief Minister honored 15 distinguished personalities with the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman-2026. Renowned folk singer Narendra Singh Negi and veteran actor Hemant Pandey were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Additionally, six young children demonstrating extraordinary courage were honored with the inaugural Chief Minister State Bravery Award, each receiving a cash prize of ₹51,000.
Traditional Felicitations and Dignitaries Present
To conclude the event, the Chief Minister presented the Union Home Minister with a traditional cap, a shawl, holy Ganga water, and a memento depicting Samudra Manthan. The ceremony was attended by former chief ministers, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, members of parliament, state cabinet ministers, legislators, senior bureaucrats, and a large gathering of local citizens.
