"Naye Bharat Ki Baat, Uttarakhand Ke Saath" Conclave, organized by Bharat Express News Network, featured a special dialogue between Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Upendrra Rai, CMD and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express. The event took place at Dehradun during the Silver Jubilee year of Uttarakhand and focused on the state's development and key issues.
At the outset of the dialogue, CMD Upendrra Rai raised the issue of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), asking, "Uttarakhand is the first state to pass a law for UCC, how challenging was this step?" In response, CM Dhami said, "Our party's commitment has always been to ensure a Uniform Civil Code in the country, as envisaged in Article 44 of the Constitution. Our government took the initiative, and with the support of Uttarakhand's devout citizens, this historic step was taken."
The Chief Minister further added, "There was a myth in Uttarakhand that elections are held every five years and governments keep changing. But this time, the people broke that myth and created a new history in the state's development."
CMD Upendrra Rai also inquired about the growing tourism in Uttarakhand, particularly the initiation of the Winter Char Dham Yatra. He asked, "You have launched the Winter Char Dham Yatra, what plans are in place for Badrinath and Kedarnath?" In response, CM Dhami said, "People visit the Char Dhams even in winter, and the winter abodes for Badrinath and Kedarnath are in Joshimath and Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where prayers continue throughout the season. We are enhancing the facilities for devotees at these locations."
He further explained, "This year, 45 lakh pilgrims visited the Char Dhams, even after the 35-day disaster. Last year, we had 56 lakh pilgrims. Our government is also working on the beautification and restoration of ancient temples, under the Manas Khand Mandir Mala Mission."
When CMD Upendrra Rai asked about the central government's support to Uttarakhand, especially through religious tourism, CM Dhami said, "Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, we have continuously received support from the central government for the renovation of ancient temples and development of border areas. With the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, we have always received the central government's backing."
In response to another question about promoting investment in Uttarakhand, Upendra Rai asked, "What steps are you taking to showcase Uttarakhand and increase investment?" CM Dhami replied, "Last year, we organized the Investor Summit in Dehradun, which resulted in MoUs worth ₹3.54 lakh crore. We simplified policies to make the state more investor-friendly. We welcome all investors, whether they want to build hotels, resorts, or establish industries."
The conversation also touched upon the state’s overall development, religious tourism and economic progress. During the conclave, CMD Upendrra Rai expressed concern over the rising drug trafficking in the hills, to which CM Dhami responded, vowing, "By 2025, Uttarakhand will be a drug-free state."
The Bharat Express Uttarakhand Conclave served as an important platform for discussing the state’s progress, challenges, and future aspirations, with a particular focus on combating drug trafficking and fostering economic and tourism growth
