Uttarakhand government holds its first Cabinet meeting in Banbasa near India-Nepal border

In a significant move, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a Cabinet meeting in Banbasa, located in Champawat district, marking the first time such a meeting has occurred near the India-Nepal border.

Dhami highlighted that the decision to hold the meeting in Banbasa reflects the government's aim to bring governance closer to the citizenry and to ensure that policies are tailored to the specific issues and developments needed in various areas of the state.

By holding these meetings outside Dehradun, Dhami aims to deepen the understanding of local challenges and developmental opportunities. He expressed a commitment to hold discussions in different districts to facilitate a more nuanced approach to governance.

Following the meeting, Dhami stated on social media, "A cabinet meeting in Banbasa... marks the beginning of a new initiative in the state. Our effort is to ensure that cabinet meetings are not confined solely to Dehradun, but are held in various districts..." He emphasized the need to understand local problems and development priorities more effectively.

The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of Uttarakhand's border regions, stating that they should not be viewed simply as boundaries. Instead, these areas serve as critical links for security, culture, and development.

He outlined the government's priorities, which include integrating border area residents into broader development efforts while enhancing basic facilities, creating jobs, promoting tourism, and improving connectivity.

Dhami affirmed a commitment to equitable development across the state, asserting that progress should reach all regions at similar rates—from border villages to the plains of Uttarakhand.

Source

Original IANS report

Edited with AI assistance.

Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration.