Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Thursday, highlighted how technological advancement and global changes are transforming the employment landscape and creating new opportunities.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of Oho Hill Yatra - "Rajat se Swarn ki Aur", held at the Mukhya Sevak Sadan in Dehradun, the CM addressed students from across the state, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation.
He said, "Due to technological innovation and global change, new employment opportunities are being created and old ones are ending. The state government has set up incubation centers to promote startups and innovation in the state, and a venture fund of Rs 200 crore has also been arranged to assist startups. Our aim is that our youth should not only become job seekers but also job providers."
The Chief Minister mentioned several schemes that are playing a pivotal role in strengthening the state’s local economy. These include the State Millet Mission, Farm Machinery Bank, Apple Mission, New Tourism Policy, New Film Policy, Home Stay, and the Solar Self-Employment Scheme.
Claiming progress in curbing unemployment, Dhami said, "The government's 'One District, Two Products' scheme is increasing local livelihood opportunities along with this, our traditional products are getting wide recognition at the national and international level through the 'House of Himalayas' brand." He added that the state’s unemployment rate has been reduced by 4.4 percent, outperforming the national average.
Appealing to citizens during the silver jubilee year of Uttarakhand’s formation, CM Dhami encouraged a united vision: "Along with celebrating the silver jubilee year of the establishment of the state of Uttarakhand, we have to move forward with the resolve to make our state a leader in every field." He added, "If every citizen of the state contributes with full loyalty, dedication and honesty in his respective field, then no power can stop Uttarakhand from becoming a developed, self-reliant and prosperous state."
Underlining development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dhami said, "Along with this, work is being done towards making a developed India and developed Uttarakhand through 'Local for Vocal', 'Make in India' and 'Startup India'."
He credited the PM for energizing key religious and tourism circuits. "With the encouragement of the Prime Minister, Adi Kailash and Winter Yatra have got new momentum in the state. The state government has a big responsibility to organize the grand and historic Nanda Devi Yatra in the year 2026 and Kumbh in 2027."
Reflecting on the state’s recent achievements, CM Dhami stated, "The decisions being taken in Uttarakhand are becoming a model for the country." He proudly noted Uttarakhand’s top rank in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals Index for 2023–24, along with recognitions in Ease of Doing Business and Startup Ranking.
Dhami also applauded the success of the state’s athletes: "Recently, in the grand and successful event of the 38th National Games held here, the players of the state have succeeded in creating history by winning more than 100 medals and securing 7th place in the country."
Touching on policy reforms, he highlighted Uttarakhand's pioneering role in implementing the Uniform Civil Code. "By implementing the Uniform Civil Code first in Uttarakhand, we have presented an ideal in front of the country."
He further emphasized the government's hard stance on malpractice: "While on one hand we implemented the country's strictest anti-copying law in Uttarakhand, we also made a law to stop religious conversion; for the first time, in the state, action was taken against land jihad, love jihad and spit jihad, while we did not shy away from taking strict action against influential corrupt people."
CM Dhami credited the anti-copying law for enabling over 22,000 youth to secure government jobs in the last three years. Looking to the future, he envisioned a return to Uttarakhand marked by progress and pride. "There should be a proud return of migrants to Uttarakhand instead of the pain of migration, where our villages are self-reliant and equipped with technological resources and modern facilities."
He concluded with the state’s guiding principle: "With the motto of 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi', our cultural identity should become even richer so that future generations can be proud of it. Our government is continuously committed to fulfilling its 'Vikalp Rishta Sankalp' of making Uttarakhand the best state in the country."