Despite inimical geographical and climatic conditions, Uttarakhand is making progress apace. This was claimed by the Uttarakhand Governor Dr KK Paul while he was addressing the 46th conference of Governors held in Delhi on Friday. Talking about the infinite possibilities of developing Uttarakhand as a global tourist destination, the Governor said that efforts are underway to make Kedarnath Valley more convenient, safe and attractive, adding that reconstruction and restoration work is going on in full swing in the areas affected by the 2013 natural disaster .
Expressing concern over the security in the border areas as well as over the internal security of the State, the Governor said that security forces equipped with latest technological devices, good roads and modern communication systems are required for the frontiers being adequately guarded. Adequate office and housing facilities for intelligence staff need to be provided in the border areas too. For this, prompt financial support from the Centre is required, he said.
The Governor further said that it is extremely important that basic facilities and employment opportunities, suited to the geographical and social conditions, are provided for the population in the strategically sensitive border areas to check the infiltration and other suspicious activities. Uttarakhand was home to celebrated pilgrim destinations like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri,Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib and Piran Kaliyar besides being home to important organisations and institutions like ONGC, IMA, Survey of India, lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration and Ordnance Factory.
Expressing concern over the security of all these shrines and institutions, Dr Paul said that financial support is expected from the Centre for police modernisation. Strengthening internal security in the State by upgrading the capability of police and intelligence is an imperative for Uttarakhand. Dwelling on the Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojana, he said it is an effective tool to improve the standard of life of the people. In Uttarakhand, the bank accounts opened under this scheme has presented an encouraging and positive picture.
He said that capacity building and skill development is the most important medium for development and progress, as it would harness the youth power for building the state and the nation as well. He said there is a proposal for setting up a Model Career Centre in Dehradun where youth would be made aware of employment opportunities, would be trained in various skills and helped in choosing careers according to their skills. He said that by making available opportunities for livelihood to youth, overall development of the State would be accelerated.
The efforts are on in Uttarakhand to achieve the aim of Swachchh Bharat by the 150th Jayanti of Mahatma Gandhi, he stressed. This aside, the Governor also presented several other proposals before the President which can be beneficial for the State in future, it is learnt.