PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised the importance of strengthening the health sector and promoting health education in the State. He stated that alongside the expansion of quality health services, public awareness and health education must also be prioritised so that people can effectively benefit from improved healthcare facilities.
The CM made these observations during his meeting with the team of NITI Aayog, led by its member M Srinivas, at his residence on Wednesday. The meeting included a detailed discussion on various critical issues related to the holistic and sustainable development of Uttarakhand.
CM highlighted the need for effective and visionary policymaking that aligns with the State’s geographical conditions, demographic challenges, and development potential. He said that Uttarakhand has consistently received positive support from NITI Aayog in its development efforts. Dhami expressed confidence that NITI Aayog will continue to provide guidance and support tailored to the State’s needs in the future. He pointed out that as a mountainous, pilgrimage-centred and tourism-focused state, policymaking should consider not only the permanent population but also the significant number of visitors. Approximately seven to eight times more people visit Uttarakhand each year than the state’s permanent residents, which places additional pressure on health services, drinking water, sanitation, transportation and other essential services. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate this factor into planning and resource allocation.
CM described women’s empowerment and child development as vital pillars of the state’s developmental journey. A coordinated action plan should be developed to combat malnutrition in children and effectively address the issue of anaemia among women, ensuring it is implemented effectively on the ground.
He also advocated for regular seminars and discussions with subject matter experts in agriculture, horticulture, tourism, water resources, biodiversity, skill development and other promising sectors in Uttarakhand, in collaboration with NITI Aayog.Further, he emphasised the necessity of making special efforts to develop effective and long-term plans for rainwater harvesting. Better policymaking and coordinated efforts are essential to enhance livelihood resources for the State’s people
