In a significant move aimed at bolstering disaster management, enhancing administrative efficiency, and improving public services, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a series of key decisions following a high-level meeting with senior officials. The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s residence today, concluded with a clear directive to officials to ensure immediate and effective implementation of all new policies, emphasising that no negligence will be tolerated in matters of public interest. These announcements reflect a proactive approach to address some of the state’s most pressing challenges.
A key decision was to provide a special relief and rehabilitation package to the disaster-hit Tharali region, mirroring the comprehensive support already being provided to the Dhadali area. Both regions were devastated by a series of cloudbursts and landslides in recent weeks, leading to significant loss of life and property. The Chief Minister explicitly instructed officials to deliver immediate aid to the affected people of Tharali and to begin rehabilitation work on a “war footing.” This move is a clear signal that the government is committed to ensuring that all disaster victims receive equitable and swift support, regardless of their location. The Chief Minister also called for the immediate and expedited commencement of relief and reconstruction work in Joshimath, directing officials to prioritise the needs of affected families and work to alleviate their suffering.
In a landmark step towards administrative reform, the Chief Minister announced that in the future, the offices of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Tehsildar, Police Circle Officer, and Block Development Officer (BDO) will be integrated under a single roof. This “one-roof” initiative is designed to streamline government services and make them more accessible to the public, eliminating the need for citizens to visit multiple offices for different administrative tasks. This consolidation is a forward-thinking reform aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and improving the overall governance framework. The government believes this will enhance transparency, accountability, and the speed of service delivery, thereby significantly improving the public’s experience with the state’s administrative system.
Furthering the focus on grassroots governance, a new mandate was introduced to ensure effective service delivery at the local level. Under the new directive, a roster system will be implemented to ensure the mandatory weekly presence of the Panchayat Secretary, Village Development Officer, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers at the Panchayat Bhawan in every Gram Sabha. This measure is intended to provide essential services to villagers directly in their communities, eliminating the need for them to travel long distances to district or block headquarters. This reform is a crucial step towards decentralising service delivery and empowering local governance institutions, ensuring that critical services, from healthcare to administrative support, are readily available to even the most remote populations.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that a special two-day session of the Legislative Assembly will be held in November to mark the Silver Jubilee of the state’s formation. This commemorative session will be a platform for a comprehensive discussion on the state’s achievements, its current challenges, and its future plans. The session is expected to bring together legislators from across the political spectrum to reflect on Uttarakhand’s journey since its inception and to collectively chart a course for its future development. The announcements were met with positive reactions, with observers noting that the emphasis on disaster management, administrative efficiency, and local-level service delivery reflects a comprehensive and practical vision for the state’s future.
