Dehradun, November 9, 2026: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released Uttarakhand’s Development Booklet 2026 at a State Foundation Day ceremony on Monday, saying the government’s progress must ultimately be measured by improvements in people’s daily lives.
Published by the Information and Public Relations Department, the booklet, titled “Sashakt Netritva, Vikas Ki Oonchi Udaan,” documents development initiatives, welfare schemes and achievements across sectors. It was unveiled at Gorkha Military Inter College in Garhi Cantonment, Dehradun.
Dhami said the publication serves both as an account of the government’s work and a reminder of the responsibilities that lie ahead.
Statehood Struggle Remembered
Extending State Foundation Day greetings, the Chief Minister paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the movement for a separate Uttarakhand. He acknowledged the contributions of statehood activists and highlighted the significant role played by women.
Dhami also remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying the aspiration for a separate state was realised under his leadership.
He said fulfilling the movement’s ambitions requires sustained work to improve services, expand opportunities and ensure development reaches every community.
Roads, Schools and Jobs Must Deliver Tangible Benefits
The Chief Minister said development cannot be understood through projects and statistics alone.
A road reaching a village should improve access to healthcare, better school facilities should help children pursue their ambitions, and local employment should give young people reasons to remain connected to their communities, he said.
Dhami highlighted the Char Dham All-Weather Road project, Delhi–Dehradun Expressway and Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project as major infrastructure initiatives supporting the state’s growth. Expanded air and helicopter services, he added, are improving access to remote areas and opening opportunities for tourism and trade.
Healthcare and Education Remain Priorities
Dhami said the government is working towards establishing a medical college in every district.
He cited the expansion of specialist services in Dehradun, Haldwani and Srinagar, along with the development of an AIIMS satellite centre in Kichha, as measures intended to strengthen healthcare.
In education, he said the focus includes smart classrooms and modern learning resources in schools.
Tourism and Investment Linked to Local Livelihoods
The Chief Minister said tourism development should benefit residents, homestay operators and small businesses—not remain limited to visitor numbers.
He highlighted the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, winter pilgrimage initiatives and the development of new destinations as efforts to support year-round livelihoods.
Dhami also referred to Uttarakhand’s hosting of G20 meetings and the 38th National Games, saying these events showcased the state’s capabilities nationally and internationally.
On investment, he said work is continuing to translate proposals received through the Global Investors Summit into projects on the ground.
Economic Growth Must Reach Households
Citing estimates for 2025–26, Dhami placed the size of Uttarakhand’s economy at approximately ₹3.82 lakh crore. He said the state’s 2026–27 budget exceeds ₹1.11 lakh crore.
The government’s objective, he added, is to ensure that greater economic capacity translates into opportunities for farmers, young people, women and local entrepreneurs.
He highlighted support for women’s self-help groups, self-employment and local products. Dhami also stated that reverse migration had increased by 44%, while reaffirming the need for better village infrastructure and income opportunities.
Further Work Ahead
The Chief Minister outlined the government’s decisions on the Uniform Civil Code, land laws, anti-conversion and anti-riot legislation, and action against illegal encroachments, describing them as measures taken in the interests of the state and its residents.
He said improving village services, making farming more profitable, creating jobs and strengthening disaster preparedness remain continuing responsibilities.
Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari read out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Foundation Day message during the ceremony.
Rajya Sabha MP and BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt, ministers Subodh Uniyal, Ganesh Joshi and Khajan Das, legislators, senior officials and other dignitaries attended.
