A two-day special session of the Legislative Assembly has begun to commemorate the silver jubilee of the state’s 25th anniversary. President Draupadi Murmu, who arrived in Uttarakhand on a three-day visit, addressed the special session of the Legislative Assembly. During this, she said that the state should move forward with the energy of youth.
The special session began on Monday morning at the Legislative Assembly Secretariat. Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan first presented a memento based on Ramman art to the President. The President also released a book on Ramman art. Apart from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh and MLAs, all former Chief Ministers, current and former MPs were also present in the visitors’ gallery. After the welcome speeches of the Leader of the Opposition, CM Dhami and the Governor, President Draupadi Murmu delivered her address. She said, “I am delighted to be among you all in this temple of democracy on the historic occasion of the silver jubilee of the establishment of the state of Uttarakhand.”
Congratulating the former and current members of the Legislative Assembly and the residents of the state, she said that the state was established in November 2000 during the tenure of respected Atal Bihari Vajpayee, fulfilling the aspirations of the people and nurturing better development. In the past 25 years, the people of Uttarakhand have achieved development goals. Progress has been made in the areas of environment, energy, tourism, and education. Powered by development efforts, the state has improved many parameters of human development. It is heartening to note that literacy has increased in the state. Women’s education has expanded. Efforts are being made to make health services accessible. I especially appreciate the efforts being made towards women’s empowerment.
The glorious tradition of women will continue: President
President Draupadi Murmu said that the glorious tradition of extraordinary women like Sushila Baluni, Bachendri Pal, and Vandana Kataria will continue. The Uttarakhand Assembly has honored itself by appointing Ritu Khanduri Bhushan as the first woman Speaker of the Assembly. I hope to increase the number of women in the Uttarakhand Assembly. This sacred land of India has been the place of penance for many sages and saints. The name of the Garhwal Regiment reflects its tradition of bravery. The youth here demonstrate the enthusiasm to protect the motherland.
This tradition of bravery in Uttarakhand is a matter of pride for all citizens. I salute those notable figures who are no longer with us. I commend the members of the Uttarakhand Assembly for implementing the Uniform Civil Code Bill. More than 550 bills have been passed in the Uttarakhand Assembly, including the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill, the Abolition of Zamindari Bill, and the Anti-Copying Bill. I commend all former and current MLAs for passing all these bills with social justice in mind. Legislative Assemblies are a key pillar of our parliamentary system.
Baba Saheb Ambedkar said that remaining constantly accountable to the people is both the strength and the challenge of the parliamentary system. MLAs are the most important link between the people and the government. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to connect with the people of the region at the grassroots level and serve them. Uttarakhand has a population of approximately 15 million, but it is a responsibility and a privilege to elect members to the Assembly, with the trust, hope, and confidence of so many people, and to ensure good governance for them.
Leader of the Opposition’s Welcome Address
Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya first welcomed the President to the House. In his welcome address, the Leader of the Opposition said that it is our good fortune that you are present in the House today as the President. He also pays tribute to the agitators who sacrificed their lives in the Uttarakhand movement. Uttarakhand and the Himalayas are also known as the oxygen towers of India. The women of Uttarakhand also consider the forests their home. The Leader of the Opposition said that like you, Gaura Devi also had a love for nature and forests.
In addition to the Char Dham, many holy places are present here. Uttarakhand is also a symbol of national unity. Hemkund Sahib is a holy place of Sikhism. Nankana Sahib, Kaliyar Sharif, and the Khwaja’s shrine are located there. This year, we suffered greatly in the disaster. The Forest Rights Act was passed in Parliament, but dozens of villages here have not yet received their rights. Women have achieved new heights and established milestones in various fields. Technical education remains completely lacking in the mountainous regions. There are challenges in the medical and health sectors.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Welcome Address
After Yashpal Arya, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami delivered a welcome address to the President. On behalf of all the people of Uttarakhand, the CM expressed his gratitude to the President for visiting Devbhoomi. He said, “I also want to congratulate the daughters who have inspired our daughters by winning the World Cup.” This is the second time the President of the country has addressed the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly. Previously, former President Pranab Mukherjee had addressed the meeting.
The historic occasion of completing 25 years is a moment of self-pride. I salute all the known and unknown statehood agitators whose sacrifices and dedication have led to this state completing 25 years of its establishment. It is our responsibility to fulfill the values and aspirations for which this state came into existence. We hope, with your blessings and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to establish the state
