Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is poised to unveil a comprehensive women's policy for Uttarakhand, marking a significant initiative in the fifth year of his tenure. This policy aims to provide a structured framework for the economic and social empowerment of women in the state.
Over the past four years, Dhami has implemented several measures to promote women's leadership and upliftment. Key initiatives include the reinstatement of 30% horizontal reservation for women in government jobs and the implementation of 33% reservation for women in cooperative societies. The 30% reservation in government jobs applies to all women with domicile status in Uttarakhand, leading to an increase in the number of women employed in government offices since its enforcement on January 10, 2023. The reservation in cooperative societies seeks to empower women's leadership at the grassroots level, complementing existing reservations in local bodies and panchayats.
In addition to reservation policies, the Dhami government has launched schemes to foster self-employment opportunities for women. These include the Mahila Saarthi Yojana, Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi scheme. The Mahila Saarthi Yojana, initiated on International Women's Day (March 8, 2025) as a pilot project in Dehradun, aims to further empower women.
Dhami's commitment to women's empowerment aligns with his broader vision for the state's development. During the State Foundation Day celebrations, he outlined 10 key initiatives to accelerate progress across various sectors, including a comprehensive women's policy and a dedicated policy for the youth. These policies aim to ensure the holistic development of Uttarakhand's younger population and promote women's empowerment.
The Chief Minister has also emphasized the importance of women in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India. He noted that products manufactured by women in Uttarakhand villages under the House of Himalayas brand are gaining recognition both nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, Dhami's administration has focused on creating a fair and transparent recruitment process to build confidence among job aspirants. This includes introducing strict anti-copying laws to prevent paper leaks in recruitment examinations and taking action against those involved in facilitating unfair means.
Pushkar Singh Dhami has become the longest-serving BJP Chief Minister in Uttarakhand's history. His focus on women's empowerment, coupled with initiatives in infrastructure development, investment promotion, and good governance, underscores his commitment to the state's progress. The upcoming comprehensive women's policy is expected to further solidify his efforts to uplift and empower the women of Uttarakhand.