The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is set to present its budget today in the state assembly. CM Dhami participated in the first Assembly session of 2025 for the fifth Legislative Assembly of Uttarakhand, which commenced on Wednesday.
During the session, Congress MLAs staged a protest against the government’s proposal to introduce smart pre-paid electricity meters in the state. Leader of Opposition (LoP) Yashpal Arya voiced opposition, claiming that the government was avoiding the discussion of important issues and limiting the duration of the Assembly session. He said, “The government does not want to extend the session and is trying to bypass major issues. Today, we are protesting against the introduction of smart pre-paid electricity meters.”
In the lead-up to the budget presentation, Chief Minister Dhami approved several significant projects for the state. On February 18, he sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the modernization of the state police forces under the 2024-25 financial year. Additionally, Rs 243.91 lakh was approved for road works in the Mussoorie Assembly Constituency of Dehradun, under the state plan.
The Chief Minister also approved the naming of several roads in honor of prominent figures. The proposed Chalkudia-Masmoli-Saknoli-Naukholi Motor Road will be renamed Shaheed Mandeep Singh Negi Motor Road, while the Sisaldi-Manjhola Motor Road will be renamed Freedom Fighter Motor Road. Other roads, including Badiun Kandool Talla-Kandool Malla Uttinda, will be named Freedom Fighter Tula Singh Rawat Motor Road.
Further, CM Dhami allocated Rs 148.48 lakh for the reconstruction and surface improvement of a road damaged by floods from the Gaula River in the Lalkuan Assembly Constituency. He also approved Rs 150.48 lakh for the construction of a 15-meter RCC bridge over Chinuna Gad in the Someshwar constituency of Almora.
On the occasion of Uttarakhand’s 25th formation anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of the state and emphasized the significance of the Silver Jubilee Year. He urged the people of Uttarakhand to work toward building a prosperous future for the next 25 years, coinciding with India’s 25 years of Amrit Kaal, a vision of a developed Uttarakhand contributing to a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
PM Modi also congratulated the state for the successful organization of the ‘Pravasi Uttarakhand Sammelan’ and expressed optimism about the vital role overseas Uttarakhandis will play in the state’s development.