CM Dhami reviews rural development initiatives in Uttarakhand

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 5 (ANI): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted a comprehensive review of the Rural Development Department at the Secretariat on Friday. He emphasized the full implementation of the plan to elevate Uttarakhand's brand 'House of Himalayas' to a global level by September.
Special focus was directed towards enhancing the quality, packaging, and marketing of products.
Dhami underscored the importance of establishing Rural Business Incubator Centers across all districts of the state, similar to those in Hawalbagh and Kotdwar. These will play an important role in promoting youth and self-help groups in the field of self-employment.
The Chief Minister said that the soul of India resides in the villages, so special attention should be paid to the names of the schemes being made for the rural areas in the state should be simple and effective.

He directed the officials to identify 15 important schemes related to the public, and also make arrangements for district-wise ranking for the successful implementation of the schemes.
Dhami also directed the Secretary of Rural Development to send senior officials of the department to the villages from time to time for the successful implementation of the schemes.
The Secretary was also instructed to personally visit some villages, and block-level officers were to attend Gram Sabha meetings. Special emphasis was placed on the construction and maintenance of Amrit Sarovars, alongside tree plantations on their banks.
During the review of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Dhami stressed the importance of quality and timeliness in road construction, warning that negligence would result in strict action against responsible officials. He announced plans for surprise inspections of construction works.
During the review of the Rural Construction Department, the Chief Minister directed that the construction work should be expedited to connect the villages with roads under the 'Mukhyamantri Gram Sampark Yojana'. Special attention should be paid to road connectivity for the development of villages.
The meeting revealed that Uttarakhand ranks first in approving targets to training institutes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Rural and Deendayal Upadhyaya Rural Skill Scheme, achieving targets in both work commencement and training. The state's excellent performance in the N.R.L.M. scheme has led to continuous bonus receipts over the past two years, with a sales target of 25 crores set for the next three years through 'House of Himalayas.'
Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, 93,000 women have achieved 'Lakhpati' status, with a goal of 2.50 lakh women by 2026. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin has seen the construction of 66,596 houses, and NRLM has facilitated the formation of 66,459 groups benefiting 5.06 lakh families.
Additionally, it was informed in the meeting that 1,845 settlements have been connected under PMGSY, benefiting a population of approximately 22 lakh. (ANI)