The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced on Sunday a significant increase in the monthly stipends for senior and junior resident doctors in the state. The stipend amount was increased from approximately 75,000 rupees to over 100,000 rupees per month.
Speaking to the press after a State Cabinet meeting in Banbasa, Minister Dhami stated that about 25-26 decisions were taken during the meeting. He also noted that the deadline for legalizing 'Class B' category lands in key areas, including Dehradun, Lalkuan, and Bindukhatta, has been extended by one year.
He emphasized: 'We have increased the stipends for our senior and junior resident doctors; the amount, which previously was around 75,000 rupees, is now increased to more than 100,000 rupees. Furthermore, we have extended the deadline for the legalization of 'Class B' category lands in areas such as Dehradun, Lalkuan, and Bindukhatta by one year. Many other decisions were taken, especially concerning these border areas, only about twenty-five or twenty-six.'
The Minister added that the Cabinet thoroughly discussed issues related to managing large state events and the seasonal flow of pilgrims. According to him, the Cabinet held discussions aimed at ensuring smooth functioning, strict control over movement, and maintaining optimal road conditions on pilgrim routes amidst the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.
He also mentioned that the management of traffic flow in Kainchi Dham, where there is a significant increase in visitors, and the ongoing 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign were discussed. The Minister highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 25 years of his tenure on October 7, and programs will be organized in all districts for this event.
Moreover, the Chief Minister stressed that the state government is making efforts in the region based on the concept of 'Adarsh Champawat' (Model Champawat), with all departments working in coordination. He stated: 'We have started efforts to ensure the government reaches even the most remote border areas. This region, including Banbasa and Tanakpur, belongs to the Champawat district, where work is progressing according to the vision of 'Adarsh Champawat'. All departments are actively working here; the entire Cabinet, along with officials from various departments, arrived today. This will undoubtedly give a new impetus to the development of the region and inspire the local residents.'
Highlighting the military garrison and the deployment of the BSF, Minister Dhami noted that the region shares friendly relations with Nepal, possessing a similar appearance, culture, and modes of worship. Therefore, the government has initiated the practice of consulting local residents before making major state decisions. He remarked: 'There is a military garrison here, and a large number of BSF personnel are deployed in the area. This region borders Nepal, and we share deep, long-standing ties, often described as 'roti-beti' (ties of food and kinship/marriage) with our neighbors there. The culture in this region is uniform, and the ways of worship are similar; consequently, the government has initiated the practice of directly approaching people when making major state decisions. We will continue to make important decisions in the future.'
It is worth noting that this is the first time that a State Cabinet meeting has been held outside the capital, Dehradun, specifically in Banbasa, along the Indo-Nepal border.