Bharat Express hosted the ‘Naye Bharat Ki Baat, Uttarakhand Ke Saath’ conclave On Friday in Dehradun. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami graced the event. Bharat Express News Network Chairman, MD, and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai questioned him on various issues, including the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the UCC. When asked about the challenges of implementation, Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the party’s long-standing commitment. He said, “After independence, our party resolved to implement a Uniform Civil Code, as envisioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. Baba Saheb Ambedkar and others had made provisions for states to introduce it.”
Uniform Civil Code
He shared the journey of UCC in the state. “During the 2022 Assembly elections, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we promised the people of Uttarakhand to initiate the UCC process. Once the new government formed, we kept our word. A committee was set up, which consulted 2.35 lakh people. Based on these consultations, the draft was prepared and presented to us,” he explained.
The draft was then passed in the Assembly and sent for presidential approval. Dhami added, “The Honorable President approved it, reflecting the collective will of the people.”
Public Support Was Key
Chief Minister Dhami credited the people of Uttarakhand for this milestone. “The credit goes to the God-like citizens of Uttarakhand. For the first time in 22 years, they broke the myth of changing governments every five years. Their support made history,” he concluded.
Winter Char Dham Yatra
When asked about the planning for Badrinath and Kedarnath as part of the winter Char Dham Yatra, the Chief Minister responded, “People visit our state for pilgrimage even during the winter, but the number significantly increases when the doors of the four Dhams open. The winter stay of Lord Badri Vishal is either in Joshimath or Pandukeshwar, where worship and prayers have been conducted for centuries. Similarly, Lord Kedarnath’s winter stay is at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. Likewise, Yamunotri’s winter stay is at Kasali, and Gangotri’s is at Harsil. Worship and prayers are carried out at these locations throughout the year.”
Devotees Continue to Visit Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister added, “Our four Dhams have become prominent centers of faith and devotion. This year, despite the 35-day disaster, 45 lakh devotees visited the four Dhams. Last year, when the pilgrimage began earlier, we had 56 lakh visitors. Tourists and devotees from across the country and the world continue to visit. In addition, our Manas Khand region has 16 ancient temples. As part of the Manas Khand Mandir Mala Mission, we initiated beautification and reconstruction work for these temples, fulfilling a key election promise.”
Support from the Central Government
Highlighting the Center’s support, the Chief Minister said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Uttarakhand at least twice a year. Through his religious visits, we receive a separate budget apart from state funds for developing these areas. Under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana, the Government of India has supported the reconstruction of ancient temples and border area development. We have consistently received approvals for our proposals.”
Uttarakhand’s Investment Growth
Discussing efforts to attract investment, the Chief Minister stated, “Last year, under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister, we organized an investor summit in Dehradun and held roadshows in various cities. We simplified over 30 policies to make investment easier. As a result, we expected MoUs worth ₹2 lakh crore, but we achieved ₹3.54 lakh crore. We welcome all investors interested in building hotels, resorts, industries, or institutions in Uttarakhand.”
Raising Awareness Against Drugs
On tackling drug abuse, he said, “We are committed to making ‘Drugs-Free Devbhoomi’ by 2025. This is a significant challenge, and government machinery alone cannot achieve it. Public awareness is crucial. Parents, schools, and teachers must actively participate. Community cooperation is essential to fight this menace.”
ITBP Doctors to Treat Civilians
Regarding Uttarakhand’s strategic importance, the Chief Minister noted, “Our state shares borders with Nepal and China, and it is both a Devbhoomi and a Veer Bhoomi. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), stationed in many areas, has a large number of doctors. We proposed that ITBP doctors provide treatment to civilians in these areas. They agreed, with the condition of limited medicines, and the state government is arranging for additional supplies. This initiative exemplifies mutual support between ITBP and the state government.”
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