On the occasion of the Congress-led State Government completing four years of its term in office, Chief Minister Harish Rawat has assured the public that the State remains focused on seriously fighting corruption which is why the anti-corruption unit—State vigilance department—keeps nabbing big fish on a regular basis.
Further stating that one private survey agency had commended the State for having the least level of corruption, the CM asked the media to be considerate and cautious while presenting an image of a State with rampant corruption.
Rawat also pointed out that now a woman starts getting financial assistance from the State from the time of her birth to old age. The district magistrates have also been told to felicitate on the occasions of Republic Day or Independence Day, the couples who have had two daughters consecutively.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that it was due to consistent effort that the State had earned itself a position in the fast growing State category. The State’s per capita income has touched Rs1,54,818 lakh while the national average is Rs93,231. The State’s mountainous regions have also witnessed development during the tenure of Congress-led State Government.
He said that growth in the agriculture sector and service sector has given motivation to the State. “Despite all this we are not satisfied with the development which I believe should not be vertical but horizontal. Development should reach to every corner of the State. To ensure overall development, we have been laying emphasis on social welfare and now the State has become number one in several types of pension disbursement. Due to our consistent effort the number of pensioners in the State has increased now to 6.5 lakh from 2.25 lakh earlier.”
Stating that the State is focusing on developing Kedarnath, he said that efforts are being aimed at facilitating a systematic pilgrimage experience on the lines of the Tirupathi shrine in Andhra Pradesh.
Stating that the 14th finance commission recommendations had resulted in considerable financial loss to Uttarakhand, he accused the BJP leaders of using false information to present a picture of Uttarakhand unaffected by such financial changes.
“We have been working on three principles in economic development. First- strengthening our schooling system so that presently there is no school without teacher in the State. To impart quality education we are going to build 500 modern schools and have made policy to attract private investment into the State,” he said.
Without specifically mentioning Nainisar—where the Jindal group is constructing an international standard school, the CM said that the positive results of Government policy have started manifesting. To inculcate the habit of reading books among students the State Government has increased science and mathematical activities with each Government school.
Rawat further said, “The second sphere of focus has been the laying of emphasis on agriculture and horticulture. There was stagnation in agriculture sector so State Government started pension scheme for old age farmers if he/she undertakes cultivation. Now people are showing their keenness in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry as well. We have managed to create demand for our locally cultivated food grains. To make rural farming more beneficial we have been promoting cluster farming by making cooperative bodies of rural farmers. We have also introduced bonus and minimum support price (MSP) of locally grown food grains and produce- Mandua (millet), Jhangora, Ramdana, Kala Bhatt and other grains in addition to the citrus fruit Malta being cultivated in our mountains. Third priority is artisan and culture. For the preservation and promotion of folk art, culture and handicraft we have set our own target. Nanda Devi centre for excellence is being established and we have created 2000 craftsmen and craft women with skill development. Growth in service sector ascertained our claim that our tourism is taking its shape due to consistent effort of the state government. For traditional tourism we have involved locals in eco tourism, sports, culture, and adventure tourism. We have also been working on infrastructure development which is why our road network is better compared to its condition in the past. Now we are going to construct 500 new roads and facilitating 22 hours electricity supply on an average. Now we would provide round the clock electricity to the industries by April this year. District hospitals are being strengthened and we are treating people through mobile health clinics and special health camp. We would recruit 30000 youths to various government posts while we have also been laying stress on skill development so that they would be able to earn their livelihood.”
Replying to a question about the opposition taunting the CM for claiming to bring about prosperity through Mandua and Jhangora, Rawat said that earlier Mandua was being sold at Rs5 per kg but now it is being sold at Rs35 per kg. “If the opposition believes that we are using gimmicks then I cannot not say anything because our motto is to bring prosperity by using everyone's support,” he said. At the conclusion, Rawat addressed the Statehood activists stating that “it is true that we could not do much for you but it does not mean we don’t care for you”. later the CM also released a book published by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations to present information on various developmental achievements in Uttarakhand.