Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the new administrative building and Vice-Chancellor's residence of Soban Singh Jeena University in Almora on January 31, 2026. Speaking at the event, he emphasised the state's commitment to national development goals.
“Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, we have resolved to transform India into a developed nation-a ‘Viksit Bharat’-by the year 2047. To fulfil this resolve, Uttarakhand has committed itself to contributing toward the construction of this developed India and is working continuously in that direction,” Dhami stated.
The Chief Minister highlighted Uttarakhand’s progress over the past four years, focusing on both economic growth and ecological sustainability. He remarked, “Over the past four years, efforts have been made to propel the holistic development of the state forward through various policies and schemes.”
Dhami noted a key initiative: “Following the precedent of GDP, Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to launch the ‘GEP’-or Gross Environmental Product-index. This initiative aims to establish a harmonious equilibrium between the state’s economy and its environment. While the state’s economy has grown by one-and-a-half times, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) witnessed a growth rate of 7.23 per cent over the past year alone, and the state’s per capita income has surged by 41 per cent.”
Earlier on January 29, during his visit to Khatima, the Chief Minister inaugurated various development projects at the Block Office campus designed to enhance education, youth empowerment, and public facilities. Dhami said education forms the strongest foundation for societal progress and described the newly established ‘Didi Ki Library’ as an important knowledge centre for students and youth preparing for competitive examinations.
“Equipped with modern facilities, the library will provide a peaceful and conducive environment for study, enabling students to prepare better and achieve their goals,” the Chief Minister explained.
He added that the government is working continuously to empower women, noting that the library will be operated by women associated with self-help groups, which will also contribute to enhancing their income.
Dhami also referenced national initiatives, stating, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Fit India Movement and healthy living are being promoted across the country.”
The Chief Minister confirmed that the state government is focusing equally on education, health, sports, employment, and infrastructure to ensure development benefits reach all society sections. He noted Khatima is not only his home constituency but also represents his special commitment to development, with continuous efforts to promote the region’s progress.
“Through these facilities, students and youth of the area will receive a strong foundation to realise their dreams and move towards a self-reliant future,” Dhami concluded.