The political situation was fluctuating up and down while the counting for the Bihar Assembly elections started on Sunday morning. As the result appeared to be on the expected lines, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who is adept at politicising varied matters was seen visiting various places in Dehradun interacting with the common man as if to feel the pulse of the people of Uttarakhand or to take stock of the situation before taking a big decision.
On the lines of chai pe charcha the Chief Minister had discussions with the Finance secretary and DGP at Gandhi Park on Sunday. CM had tea at a small tea shop which is run by a woman Kamla Devi. During discussion with officials, Rawat categorically instructed the Finance Secretary Amit Negi to mark new sectors for revenue generation. The benefits of developmental efforts should reach up to the grassroots level for which plan-wise details of all the departments should also be prepared, he said.
Talking about changed funding pattern the Chief Minister was informed that the State Government was yet to receive order regarding changed funding pattern from the Union Government but according to information received, some schemes would benefit from the funding pattern changed to 90:10 and 80:20 ratios.
The CM asked officials to prepare detail of the departmental schemes to be funded under 90:10 and 80:20 ratios. Citing the limited revenue sources of the State, he repeated his instruction to officials for identifying new sectors for increasing revenue.
Rawat directed the director general of police BS Sidhu to mark some places in the city for formation of cycle lanes along with walking paths for senior citizens. CM also said that parks should be developed for various age groups including senior citizens. These parks should have adequate arrangements for sports and recreational activities along with sitting arrangements.
later, the CM's fleet moved towards Pavilion Ground. Before reaching the ground CM stopped at Clock Tower and enquired about the well being of labourers there. He asked them whether they were aware of the various schemes of the State Government for their welfare and if they had got their registration cards.
Some labourers said that they had their registration cards while other labourers spoke of the problems they face regarding water, toilets and shelter. Rawat informed them about various schemes being facilitated for their welfare by State Government.
He also said that financial assistance is being provided to the labourers in case of any causality or death due to accident while financial aid is also provided for the marriage of the daughters of labourers.
“Tool kit is being distributed to registered labourers while the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) has also been started by the State Government. labourers may be benefited through these schemes,” said Rawat. Chief Minister Harish Rawat also inspected the public toilet at Clock Tower.