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Uttarakhand CM warns of tough decisions

Needed to push growth, says Rawat, but will not hurt common man

Harish Rawat

Shishir Prashant Dehradun
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat seems to have taken a leaf out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's book.

The chief minister said some tough decisions would be needed for reviving the economy in the state.

"Our tough and unpleasant decisions would be for good governance and the revival of the economy, and these would in no way impact the common man," Rawat said.

Prime Minister Modi had also said some "bitter pills" would be needed to revive growth. Increases in rail fares, petrol and gas prices had come after this.

Though no timeline has been set for such decisions, sources close to the chief minister said Rawat might announce some important decisions during the Independence Day function.
 

The ruling Congress said it would support Rawat's tough decisions in social sectors such as education and health. "We will welcome any decision that will help revive the state's economy," said state Congress chief Kishore Upadhayay.

Uttarakhand economy grew 5.65 per cent in 2013-14, 0.4 per cent more than in 2012-13.

Senior government officials said the government would have to take tough decisions to instil confidence in people.

"In Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pithoragarh, migration is posing a fresh threat, in view of the June 16 and June 17 flash floods last year. If this trend is not arrested, the villages, especially in the border areas, will be deserted," said a senior government official.

Growth in power, tourism and industries had declined sharply in the past few years. The tourism sector had taken a big hit after last year's floods. The Char Dham yatra had virtually come to a halt due to heavy rains and landslides this monsoon season.

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First Published: Aug 04 2014 | 8:39 PM IST

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