Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday highlighted the state's progress in women’s empowerment, rural development and employment generation, stating that more than 25,000 women in Chamoli district have become “Lakhpati Didis” through various government-supported initiatives. He said these achievements reflect the government's efforts to strengthen the economic independence of women and ensure that development reaches every corner of the state.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the “Jan-Jan Ki Sarkar, Jan-Jan Ke Dwar” programme in Gopeshwar under the “Seva, Sushasan Evam Samarpan” campaign. The initiative aims to bring government services and welfare schemes directly to people instead of requiring them to travel to government offices.
Speaking before a large gathering, Dhami said the government's focus is on making governance more accessible and ensuring that citizens receive timely support and benefits. According to him, the campaign has helped bridge the gap between the administration and the public by taking government services to villages, towns and remote areas.
He noted that the first phase of the programme witnessed participation from more than six lakh people across Uttarakhand. During this phase, over 60,000 public grievances were reportedly resolved on the spot, providing immediate relief to citizens facing various issues.
The Chief Minister said the government remains committed to transparent governance, efficient public service delivery and inclusive development.
One of the key highlights of Dhami’s address was the growing role of women in driving economic growth and community development.
He said more than 42,000 women in Chamoli district have been linked to self-help groups, enabling them to participate in income-generating activities and improve their financial condition. Through these groups, women receive opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship and access to financial support.
According to the Chief Minister, over 25,000 women in the district have achieved the status of “Lakhpati Didis,” a term used for women earning an annual income of at least one lakh rupees through various livelihood activities.
Dhami described this achievement as a major step toward women's economic empowerment and social progress. He said empowering women not only improves family incomes but also contributes to stronger communities and sustainable development.
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The Chief Minister emphasised that supporting women’s livelihoods remains one of the government's top priorities. He encouraged more women to join self-help groups and take advantage of available schemes designed to enhance their earning potential.
Apart from women's empowerment, Dhami highlighted several welfare and development initiatives being implemented across Chamoli and other parts of Uttarakhand.
He stated that more than 48,000 farmers in Chamoli have benefited from the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Under the programme, farmers in the district have reportedly received over ₹196 crore in financial assistance.
According to him, these funds have helped farmers meet agricultural expenses and improve their livelihoods.
The Chief Minister also spoke about efforts to promote tourism and rural entrepreneurship.
He said 872 homestays have been established under the Deendayal Homestay Scheme in Chamoli. These homestays provide accommodation for tourists while creating employment opportunities for local families.
The initiative has helped many residents earn additional income while showcasing the natural beauty, culture and traditions of the region.
Dhami further highlighted the government's focus on attracting investment and encouraging entrepreneurship. He said investment proposals worth ₹3.75 lakh crore have been received, which are expected to create new opportunities for growth and employment across the state.
He also pointed to the expansion of startup initiatives aimed at encouraging young entrepreneurs to launch innovative businesses and contribute to Uttarakhand’s economy.
The Chief Minister added that more than 34,000 young people have secured government jobs through what he described as a transparent and merit-based recruitment process.
According to him, ensuring fairness in recruitment has strengthened public confidence and created better opportunities for deserving candidates.
The programme attracted political attention after Congress MLA Lakhpat Butola publicly praised the state government's development efforts during the event.
Butola, who represents the Badrinath constituency, acknowledged the work carried out in his region and thanked the Chief Minister for supporting development projects without political bias.
His remarks stood out because they came from a leader belonging to the opposition Congress party.
Speaking at the event, Butola reportedly said that opposition legislators are often accused of being neglected when it comes to development projects. However, he claimed that significant development work had taken place in his constituency.
He credited the Chief Minister for ensuring that projects were implemented without discrimination based on political affiliation.
The comments gained attention as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have frequently engaged in political debates over development and governance in Uttarakhand.
Observers viewed the Congress MLA’s praise as noteworthy given the ongoing political rivalry between the two parties.
The Chief Minister used the occasion to reiterate that development should benefit all citizens regardless of political considerations. He said the government's focus remains on improving infrastructure, expanding welfare programmes and creating opportunities for economic growth throughout the state.
During his address, Dhami also referred to the recent theft incident at the Badrinath temple, one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.
Describing the incident as serious, he assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
The Chief Minister said the government would ensure a thorough investigation and that those involved would face the strongest possible legal consequences.
At the same time, he urged people not to politicise the matter and stressed that the focus should remain on ensuring justice and maintaining public trust.
Throughout the programme, Dhami emphasised the importance of public participation in government initiatives and encouraged citizens to make full use of welfare schemes available to them.
He said the administration is working to ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives the intended benefits without unnecessary delays or obstacles.
The event reflected the government's broader effort to showcase achievements in women’s empowerment, agriculture, tourism, employment and public service delivery.
With thousands of women becoming financially independent through self-help groups and livelihood programmes, the government sees Chamoli as an example of how targeted welfare initiatives can bring meaningful social and economic change.
As Uttarakhand continues to focus on grassroots development, the success stories of women entrepreneurs, farmers and young job seekers are being highlighted as evidence of the state's efforts to create inclusive growth and improve the quality of life for its residents.
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