Rakesh Sharma assumed charge as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand on Friday. He took over charge from N Ravishankar, who retired from the post on Friday.
Speaking after assuming charge, Sharma said that having worked for 24 years in Uttarakhand he feels that there is need for separate schemes for border areas, middle Himalayas and the Terai region.
Stressing on the need for improving connectivity in the State, Sharma said that attempts will be made to facilitate economical air service in the mountainous areas of Uttarakhand as provided in the north-east which would also be useful for disaster management.
He said, "We will focus on improving civic amenities in the urban areas. Power and water supply, roads, sewerage and other facilities will be strengthened. There is need for focusing on the agriculture and horticulture segments in the State. Higher education, technical education, medical education and school education will be extended up to remote mountainous regions. Stress will be laid on increasing the State's revenue through mini hydro power projects," said Sharma.
Earlier, Ravishankar said that during his 35-year all India service he had the chance to work in Uttarakhand, apart from Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India. He said, "I had to face various challenges after assuming the post of Chief Secretary. We were successful to a great extent in bringing the Char Dham Yatra back on track after the 2013 disaster. Six lakh people have so far undertaken the Char Dham Yatra with 6,000 of them doing so through helicopter services. It is estimated that the number of Char Dham visitors will reach 10 lakh this year. Preparations for the 2016 Ardh Kumbh are also a challenge but I am happy to note that these preparations are being executed as scheduled," he added.