The Uttarakhand cabinet has approved a series of measures aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for women, youth, and ex-servicemen, combining skill development initiatives with self-employment schemes tailored to local strengths and resources.
Skill Development Push Under the new policies, training will be expanded in artificial intelligence, nursing, foreign languages, and vocational trades to equip young people with employable skills in both domestic and global markets. The government said these areas were chosen to align with emerging job trends and opportunities abroad.
Self-Employment and Agriculture Support The cabinet also approved a set of self-employment schemes targeting rural livelihoods, including beekeeping, apple cultivation, and horticulture projects. A new MoU between the Agriculture Department and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will ensure that farmers’ produce is procured systematically, helping create market linkages and guaranteed income streams.
Ex-Servicemen Welfare For ex-servicemen, the government will expand placements through Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Ltd (UPNL), ensuring retired defence personnel are matched with suitable roles across government and private sectors. Officials said this initiative is designed to capitalise on the skills and discipline of veterans while easing their transition into civilian life.
Legal and Social Reforms The cabinet session also approved amendments to enhance compensation under the POCSO Act, alongside the rollout of a new Witness Protection Scheme. The scheme provides safeguards and financial assistance to witnesses during sensitive trials, strengthening public trust in the justice system.
Government’s Vision Officials highlighted that these combined initiatives form part of a larger vision to promote inclusive growth and social security. By blending skill development with welfare measures, the state aims to reduce out-migration, strengthen rural livelihoods, and create pathways for women and youth to join Uttarakhand’s growth story.
