'Strong will power will lead people of U'khand to development'

Noting that the road to development is not easy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today said a strong will power alone can steer people of the state to the ambitious development goals set by his government.
Addressing people after unfurling the tricolor at the Parade Ground to mark the country's 70th Independence Day, Rawat said, "Our goals are big and the road to them is difficult.
"But I have faith in the people of the state and their tremendous will power which helped them overcome even the effects ofan unprecedented natural calamity like the one in 2013."
He said he was confident that the resolve which helped people of Uttarakhand deal with the aftermath of 2013 calamity will also drive them to the big development targets set by his government including an annual growth rate of 18 per cent, howsoever difficult they might be. We are proud that Uttarakhand today is one of the fastest developing states in the country.

"Our per capital income is growing fast and is already two times above the national average.The state's annual growth rate is nearly 13 per cent at present, industrial growth rate is 16 per cent and the growth rate in the services sector is 12 per cent.
"However, to eliminate poverty and unemployment besides putting an end to migration from hills in search of work we will have to achieve a growth rate of 18 per cent by 2019," he said.

Noting that to achieve this ambitious target, the growth rate in agriculture and allied sectors will have to be at least eight per cent, he said the way ahead was difficult but considering the fact that people of the state had overcome the 2013 calamity, no challenge was big for them to overcome.

"I am confident that your will power which helped you overcome the effects of the 2013 disaster will come in handy once again and help the state triumph over the hurdles on way to development," Rawat said.
Highlighting the steps taken by the state government for women's empowerment, education of the girlchild, employment generation and promotion of entrepreneurship among the youth, Rawat said so much more will be done in the years to come for these sections.
Remembering the heroes of India's struggle for freedom, those who had made the supreme sacrifice to protect the unity and integrity of the country and also those who had fought for statehood to Uttarakhand, Rawat saidtoday is the day when "we should all collectively resolve to protect our constitutional values and move abreast with the rest of the country on the path to development and prosperity."

Unveiling his roadmap for development, Rawat said a
separate commission for the physically challenged is being set up in the state besides the amount given to them as pension is being increased.
"The amount, ambit and age limit of welfare pensions in the state are being constantly raised. As a consequence, the number of pensioners in the state has risen from 1,84000 two years ago to over seven lakh at present," he said.
The Chief Minister spoke of reining in migration from the hills caused by lack of opportunities and basic facilities by 2019-20 and creating potential for employment in sectors where there is no scope for employment generation at present by 2022-23.

Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul also unfurled the national flag on the Raj Bhawan lawns earlier this morning to mark the occasion.
Congratulating people on the occasion, Paul said, "We should always remember the difficult struggle and sacrifices of our heroes who fought for Independence.We have to maintain it by remaining active and thinking in a positive manner".
He also appealed to everyone to make their whole-hearted contribution to the Bharat Swacchata Abhiyan which was a significant step towards realising Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a clean India.