Uttarakhand Chief Minister Applauds Union Budget 2026-27 as Growth Catalyst for Hill States
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has extended a warm welcome to the Union Budget 2026-27, describing it as a transformative document that charts a fresh development trajectory for both the nation and individual states. The Chief Minister emphasized that the budget's comprehensive approach towards economic growth, employment generation, and inclusive development will particularly benefit hill states like Uttarakhand.
Strategic Focus on Key Sectors for Holistic Development
In his detailed response, CM Dhami congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting what he termed a forward-looking and balanced budget. He noted that the financial blueprint skillfully harmonizes economic expansion with social welfare, placing special emphasis on critical demographic groups including farmers, women, youth, small entrepreneurs, and marginalized communities.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the budget's strategic allocations towards employment generation, education, healthcare, tourism, skill development, industry, and infrastructure align perfectly with Uttarakhand's developmental priorities. "Job creation and enhanced connectivity remain our foremost objectives, and this budget directly addresses these needs," stated Mr. Dhami.
Mountain Tourism and Infrastructure Receive Major Boost
A particularly significant announcement welcomed by the Uttarakhand government is the proposal to develop eco-friendly mountain trails across the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. CM Dhami hailed this initiative as a substantial boost for sustainable tourism in the region.
"Tourism and infrastructure form the cornerstone of Uttarakhand's growth narrative. The budget effectively strengthens both these pillars, promising to unlock new economic opportunities for our people," he remarked. This focus is expected to enhance visitor experiences while preserving the fragile mountain ecology.
Strengthening the Hill Economy Through Diverse Initiatives
Beyond tourism, the Chief Minister pointed to several other budget provisions that will fortify Uttarakhand's unique hill economy:
- High-value agriculture and animal husbandry initiatives tailored for mountainous regions.
- Enhanced support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to spur local entrepreneurship.
- Comprehensive rural development programs aimed at improving livelihoods in remote areas.
These measures are designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for the youth, and reduce economic migration from the hills.
Investments in Future-Ready Sectors for Long-Term Resilience
CM Dhami also expressed appreciation for the budget's strategic investments in sectors crucial for long-term economic sustainability:
- Clean energy and environmental sustainability projects that align with Uttarakhand's ecological priorities.
- Promotion of digital technologies to bridge the urban-rural divide.
- Development of the biopharma sector, leveraging the state's natural resources and research capabilities.
These investments, according to the Chief Minister, will enhance the state's economic resilience and create new avenues for growth and innovation.
Commitment to Collaborative Implementation
Concluding his remarks, CM Dhami stated that the Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the core philosophy of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Collective Efforts, Inclusive Growth) and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). He reiterated the Uttarakhand government's commitment to working in close coordination with the Central government to ensure the timely and effective implementation of all announced initiatives.
"This budget provides us with the necessary tools and resources to accelerate Uttarakhand's development journey. We are fully prepared to translate these provisions into tangible outcomes for our citizens," affirmed the Chief Minister, signaling a new phase of collaborative federalism aimed at regional prosperity.
