Uttarakhand CM Dhami inaugurates State Level Youth Festival, launches schemes worth Rs 87 crore

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], November 9 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the State Level Youth Festival 2024-25, organised at Parade Ground in Dehradun on Saturday, and extended his wishes on the State Foundation Day.
On this occasion, he inaugurated six schemes worth Rs 87 crore. The schemes include a 200-bed hostel at Sports College in Raipur, a multipurpose hall, the upgrade of a boxing hall, the construction of a multipurpose hall in Haridwar, the construction of a spectator gallery parking at Haridwar Stadium, and the construction of a roller skating ring under the Parade Ground Sports Complex.
Dhami also visited stalls featuring sports-related equipment and inaugurated the state-level Pitthu competition. He launched the National Games Uttarakhand Volunteer Portal for the upcoming National Games.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the festival would provide a platform for the youth of the state to showcase their creativity, art, and sports talent while also promoting culture, traditions, and folk art. He stressed the importance of balancing tradition with modernity.
This year's Yuva Mahotsav is being held under the theme "Innovation in Science and Technology," with a special focus on "Sports Science," which is expected to help players achieve strong performances in the upcoming National Games. Dhami also expressed pride that Uttarakhand would host the 38th National Games.
He mentioned that various competitions are being organised in the Youth Festival to highlight the state's rich folk culture and other subjects.
"The youth of Devbhoomi are talented, capable, and hardworking. They have proven their abilities in every field," Dhami said, adding that the state is moving forward as a young state, with the government making historic decisions to set new dimensions.
Dhami noted that the state government had implemented the country's strictest anti-cheating laws to prevent fraud in recruitment processes and had taken stern action against those involved in such activities. He highlighted that in the last three years, a record 18,500 youths had received government jobs. The state government is also working on making the youth self-reliant through schemes like the Chief Minister Self Employment Scheme and the Chief Minister Youth Incentive Scheme.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the state's special sports policy aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure. Cash awards are being given to players who earn medals, and distinguished players are honoured with the "Uttarakhand Khel Ratna." Coaches and trainers are also recognised with the "Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Dronacharya Award."
Additionally, the state government is providing out-of-turn appointments to players who achieve remarkable success in high-level competitions. Dhami confirmed that players from Uttarakhand who win medals in the upcoming National Games will receive an additional prize amount equal to the fixed prize money. (ANI)