Uttarakhand government has made diaspora important partner in state's development: Chief Minister
Mumbai, July 6
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held an interactive meeting with members of the Uttarakhand diaspora in Mumbai, where he shared the state's five-year journey of development and his commitment to public service as the state's Chief Servant.
The Chief Minister highlighted that over the past five years, the dignity, recognition, and pride of the Uttarakhand diaspora have received renewed prominence. He said the state government has made the diaspora an important partner in Uttarakhand's development, according to a release.
He also appealed to Uttarakhandis living across India and abroad to continue contributing to the state's progress. Appreciating the role of the diaspora, he said they have been instrumental in promoting Uttarakhand's rich culture, folk traditions, and the identity of Devbhoomi on the global stage.
"Wherever Uttarakhandis live, they serve as cultural ambassadors and the greatest brand ambassadors of the state," the Chief Minister said.
Members of the Uttarakhand diaspora accorded the Chief Minister a warm welcome and expressed their confidence in the government's development journey and people-centric initiatives.
As part of development initiatives, Dhami earlier laid the foundation stone for two flood protection projects worth over Rs 65 crore at Boomghat in Champawat district, including a Rs 60.21 crore embankment along the Sharda River from Boom to Tanakpur and a Rs 5.74 crore flood protection wall on the Huddi River to safeguard Chhinigoth village in Purnagiri tehsil.
The Chief Minister received a traditional welcome upon his arrival, with a ceremonial tilak, angavastram, Kumaoni cap, flower petals, and a vibrant Chholiya dance performance.
Before the ceremony, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing flood protection works along the Sharda River. He directed officials to maintain high construction quality and ensure timely completion of the projects.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The mention of Kumaoni cap and Chholiya dance warms my heart! ❤️ Our culture is so rich, and it's nice to see the government recognizing the diaspora as cultural ambassadors. But we need more concrete action on job creation for local youth, not just photo ops.
As someone from the hills now working in Mumbai, I appreciate this outreach. The Sharda river embankment is crucial - I've seen how floods devastate villages near the Nepal border every monsoon. But Rs 65 crore is a lot - hope there's proper transparency in tenders and quality checks.
Five years of development? 🤔 I visit my village in Pithoragarh every year. Roads are still pathetic, hospitals lack basic facilities. Yes, diaspora can help, but first, fix the basics for those still living in Uttarakhand. CM's 'Chief Servant' tagline sounds good but needs action on ground.
Nothing wrong with engaging the diaspora - they can fund local startups, tourism, and heritage projects. But the real test is whether the government will create a proper framework for this partnership or just use it as election rhetoric. Wish CM had also addressed migration from hills.
The traditional welcome with tilak and angavastram shows respect for our culture. But I hope the government also focuses on women's safety and education in remote areas. Diaspora can't fix everything - the state needs better governance and transparency first. Still, step in right direction.
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