• Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the State-Level SDG Achievers Award Ceremony in Almora and honoured 32 achievers for innovative and sustainable initiatives.
• Chief Minister Dhami said Uttarakhand has become the top-ranked state in the national SDG Index and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to balanced and sustainable development.
• Rudraprayag secured first place in the district-level SDG rankings, while Uttarkashi and Nainital shared second position.

Dehradun: Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to making Uttarakhand the best-performing state in the country while addressing the State-Level SDG Achievers Award Ceremony held at the Uday Shankar Dance and Music Academy in Almora.

The event recognised 32 organisations, individuals, and groups for their innovative and sustainable initiatives contributing towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, six districts were honoured for securing top positions in the annual district-level SDG rankings.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister said the occasion was dedicated to honouring individuals and institutions that have made exemplary contributions to society through innovation, excellence, and public welfare initiatives. He praised the award winners for bringing positive change through dedication, hard work, and determination.

Dhami said the honoured institutions had demonstrated that extraordinary achievements are possible even with limited resources and strong resolve. He added that balanced and sustainable development can only be achieved when ecology and economy move together, especially in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand which faces unique challenges every year.

Referring to the state’s progress in sustainable development, the Chief Minister noted that Uttarakhand had earlier ranked 10th in the NITI Aayog SDG India Index but has now secured the first position nationally according to the latest report. He added that the government continues to work rapidly in areas where further improvement is required.

Highlighting development achievements, Dhami said Uttarakhand recorded a 7.23 percent increase in GDP and a 4.1 percent rise in per capita income, while unemployment declined by a record 4.4 percent, outperforming the national average. He also pointed to positive changes in industries, startups, helicopter services, highway construction, green energy, and power generation over the last four years, which he said have contributed to increased reverse migration as people return to their native villages for employment and self-employment opportunities.

Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta said Uttarakhand achieving the top position in SDG rankings reflects the commitment and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami towards the development of the state.

Principal Secretary Planning and CEO of the Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPPGG), Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, elaborated on the concept of SDGs and highlighted the efforts behind Uttarakhand securing the top national ranking.

District Magistrate Anshul Singh welcomed the participants and reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of people in the district under the guidance of the Chief Minister.

According to the annual district-level SDG rankings, Rudraprayag secured the first position, while Uttarkashi and Nainital shared the second spot. Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Tehri jointly secured the third position.

Several public representatives, senior officials, award winners, and citizens attended the programme.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.