WelfareSchemes – Dhami Oversees Pension Transfer and Highlights Uttarakhand’s Development Progress
WelfareSchemes – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday attended a state-level awareness and orientation programme organized at the IRDT Auditorium in Survey Chowk, Dehradun. During the event, he facilitated the direct transfer of pension funds amounting to Rs 176.59 crore to more than 9.74 lakh beneficiaries across the state. The Chief Minister also led participants in taking a pledge promoting a drug-free society and encouraging respect and care for elderly citizens.
Focus on Expanding Welfare Benefits
Speaking at the programme, Dhami said the initiative was aimed at strengthening awareness about government welfare schemes and ensuring that benefits reach every eligible citizen. He stressed that social security programmes should be accessible without discrimination, procedural hurdles, or unnecessary delays.
According to the Chief Minister, welfare measures introduced across the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership have significantly widened their reach in recent years. He noted that programmes such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and the free ration scheme have improved the lives of millions of people. He added that self-employment initiatives, including Stand-Up India, PM Mudra Yojana, PM SVANidhi, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, and the National Livelihood Mission, have helped strengthen economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
State Government Initiatives for Inclusive Growth
Dhami said the Uttarakhand government remains committed to promoting social justice and inclusive development. He highlighted that eligible families under the Antyodaya scheme are receiving three free LPG cylinders every year. The state has also enhanced transport allowances for differently-abled government employees.
He further stated that women are being encouraged towards financial independence through Self-Help Groups linked with the Lakhpati Didi initiative and various skill development programmes. Schemes such as the Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme, Chief Minister Migration Prevention Scheme, Vibrant Village Programme, and the Apni Sarkar Portal are helping extend government services and development benefits to remote regions.
Infrastructure and Tourism Development
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand has witnessed substantial improvements in infrastructure and public services over recent years. He pointed to advances in road networks, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, railway connectivity, and air transport services.
Dhami also noted that hosting the National Games and G-20 meetings helped strengthen the state’s visibility at national and international levels. He said investment proposals received during the Global Investors Summit are gradually being translated into projects on the ground. Efforts are also underway to boost winter tourism and accelerate religious tourism projects under the Kedarkhand and Manaskhand initiatives. Several corridor projects, including the Sharda Corridor, Rishikesh-Haridwar Corridor, Yamuna Corridor, Vivekananda Corridor, and Goljyu Corridor, are progressing steadily.
Economic Indicators Show Positive Growth
Highlighting economic achievements, the Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand’s economy has expanded significantly during the past four years. He said the state’s Gross State Domestic Product registered a growth rate of 7.23 percent in the previous year, while per capita income increased by 41 percent over the same period.
He also pointed to a notable decline in unemployment, stating that the reduction exceeded the national average. The state budget has crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark, while sectors such as homestays, startups, industries, heliports, and energy production have recorded substantial growth.
Recognition and Governance Reforms
Dhami said Uttarakhand secured the top position in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals Index and ranked second among Special Category States in the Public Financial Management Performance Index. He added that the state has earned recognition in Ease of Doing Business assessments and has been placed among leading states in the national startup ecosystem rankings.
The Chief Minister also highlighted governance reforms, including the implementation of anti-conversion, anti-riot, and land protection laws. He stated that more than 11,000 acres of government land had been reclaimed from encroachment. Referring to recruitment reforms, he said over 33,000 young people had secured government employment through transparent selection processes following the introduction of strict anti-cheating measures.
Strategy for Effective Delivery
Emphasising better implementation of welfare programmes, Dhami outlined a four-point approach that includes wider public awareness, simplified administrative procedures, greater use of technology, and regular monitoring. He urged members of various commissions, councils, and committees to visit districts and remote areas frequently to review the ground-level execution of government schemes and ensure that intended beneficiaries receive support.