Dr. Shikha Mishra
Lead Reporting
Dehradun: A fresh political debate has erupted in Uttarakhand after the state government’s economic survey claimed that the state’s economy has grown 1.5 times in the last four years, with Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rising from about ₹2.54 lakh crore in 2022 to ₹3.81 lakh crore in 2024-25 and per-capita income reaching around ₹2.73 lakh. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has projected these figures as proof of rapid development under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
However, the opposition Indian National Congress has strongly rejected the claim, calling it “misleading” and accusing the government of presenting an incomplete picture of the state’s economy.
Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin questioned the authenticity of the figures and asked why the economic survey was not thoroughly discussed in the state assembly. According to him, the government’s claims of economic growth do not reflect the ground reality faced by people in Uttarakhand.
Nizamuddin argued that while the government highlights rising economic indicators, several critical sectors continue to struggle. He pointed to reports indicating that around 41% of healthcare posts in the state remain vacant, suggesting a shortage of essential services despite claims of development.
The Congress leader also raised concerns about social indicators, citing data showing that Uttarakhand’s sex ratio at birth was reported at 868 females per 1,000 males, one of the lowest in the country. He questioned how such statistics align with the government’s claims of improved human development.
Another major criticism relates to the state’s growing financial burden. Opposition leaders say Uttarakhand’s debt has increased sharply—from about ₹44,000 crore in 2017 to over ₹1 lakh crore in recent years—raising questions about the sustainability of the state’s economic model.
Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya has previously highlighted related concerns, including migration from hill districts, unemployment among youth, and the rise of so-called “ghost villages” due to depopulation. According to Congress, such issues contradict the government’s narrative of rapid economic growth.
Congress leaders argue that economic progress should be measured not only by statistical growth but also by improvements in employment, public services, and quality of life. They insist that unless issues like unemployment, migration, and rising debt are addressed, claims of a “1.5 times economic expansion” risk becoming political rhetoric rather than a reflection of reality.
The controversy has turned the state’s economic survey into a major political flashpoint, with the ruling BJP defending its development record and the Congress demanding greater transparency and debate in the legislature.
