Govt making special efforts for infrastructural devpt: Guv

Gairsain: Uttarakhand governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) on Monday while addressing the budget session of the state assembly noted that "the govt is making special efforts for infrastructural development".Emphasising the vision of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" (development along with heritage) the governor said the govt was paving the way for "balanced development, self-reliance and prosperity". He said the govt accorded topmost priority to good governance, public welfare and financial management.He added that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is advancing on the path of prosperity and empowerment and expressed confidence that new heights of development would be achieved in the coming year. "This period is a golden era in terms of economic prosperity, social justice, women's welfare and empowerment, and infrastructure development," he said.The governor highlighted key govt projects, including the Sharda Corridor Project, involving the reconstruction of the Sharda Ghat, riverbank strengthening and drainage works, and the Banbasa Land Port Project, aimed at boosting cross-border trade and regional development and international cooperation.Highlighting preparations for the Kumbh Mela 2027, the governor said the state is committed to the divine and grand organisation of the pilgrimage, for which development of basic infrastructure and other necessary actions are being undertaken.He also emphasised the govt's commitment to Viksit Uttarakhand @2047 aligned with the national Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. "This will focus on augmentation of the state's resources, reverse migration in hill and border areas, promotion of technology and innovation, creation of public capital assets and infrastructure development," he added.Highlighting governance reforms, he cited the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Jan last year. "Under this, nine services are available online, and more than 5.27 lakh applications have been received, of which more than 99% have been disposed of. The services have been extended to villages through over 15,000 common service centres." he said, adding that the state govt is fully committed to the constitutional ideals of equality, transparency and good governance.Tourism was another key focus, with the governor noting that over 44,000 devotees visited Char Dham sites in Jan and more than 50 lakh pilgrims participated in the Char Dham and Hemkund yatras last year. "During the winter period, a 50% discount is being offered at GMVN/KMVN guest houses. The ‘Manskhand Mandir Mala Mission Yojana' has been launched for temples of historical and mythological significance," he added.On the economic front, the governor said Uttarakhand had secured the top position in the Export Preparedness Index among small states. He said that advancing the "local to global" vision in line with the "vocal for local" initiative, the state has registered 22 trademarks — including 11 geographical indications (GI) and intellectual property rights (IPR) — under the House of Himalayas brand.