Haldwani: Traders meet: CM Dhami: On Saturday, following the National Sports Day event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with traders, industry representatives, and office-bearers of various trade associations from the Kumaon division at an interactive session held at ITC Fortune, Haldwani. During the interaction, the Chief Minister listened to the traders’ concerns and suggestions and assured them of the state government’s full support in resolving these issues.
At the event, traders and industry representatives raised several issues with the Chief Minister, including simplifying GST-related procedures, addressing concerns regarding mandi (market) fees, encroachment, and parking, as well as lease renewals, the expansion of basic amenities in industrial areas, providing better market access for local products, and encouraging young entrepreneurs.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that traders and the industrial sector form the backbone of the state’s economy. Everyone, from small shopkeepers to large entrepreneurs, plays a vital role in the state’s development journey. He emphasized that the state government is sensitive to the interests of traders and entrepreneurs and is continuously working to create a safe, transparent, and business-friendly environment in the state.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the role played by traders during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that amidst challenging circumstances, grocery and retail traders delivered rations and other essential supplies to the public without regard for their own safety. By fulfilling their social responsibilities during the crisis, the trading community proved itself to be a strong pillar of the national and state economies.
He remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a positive atmosphere for trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation has been fostered in the country over the past 12 years. The government aims to ensure that youth from ordinary families do not merely seek jobs but can also aspire to become entrepreneurs who create employment. With this vision, both the central and state governments are encouraging youth to pursue entrepreneurship and self-employment.
The Chief Minister stated that continuous reforms are being implemented to further simplify the ease of doing business in Uttarakhand. An ‘Invest Mitra’ system has been launched to ensure the speedy resolution of issues faced by investors and entrepreneurs, and the Single Window System has been strengthened. Currently, over 206 services across 26 key departments are available online through the Single Window Portal. He stated that the state government has formulated over 30 policies, taking into account suggestions received from the industrial and business communities during the Investors Summit. Priority has been given to these suggestions within the policies. The government claims that these efforts are yielding positive results in the form of expanded industrial activity across the state.
According to the Chief Minister, more than 29,000 new MSME units have been established in Uttarakhand over the past few years, providing direct employment to approximately 1.27 lakh youths. He emphasized that the government aims to act as a facilitator and partner to industries rather than an obstacle. Industrial growth will create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economy.
Highlighting the implementation of the Uttarakhand Startup Policy to encourage entrepreneurship among the youth, the Chief Minister mentioned that a venture fund worth ₹200 crore has also been established in the state. The government’s objective is to enable youth in hilly regions to build businesses catering to national and global markets while remaining in their own villages.
He stated that industrial development would not be confined to the plains; industrial activities are being promoted in the hill districts as well. Land has been identified for special industrial parks to boost small-scale industries in Chamoli, Pauri, and Almora. Meanwhile, a flatted factory complex is being developed in Haridwar to provide modern facilities to small entrepreneurs, with plans to develop similar facilities in Selaqui and Pantnagar in the future.
The Chief Minister remarked that Uttarakhand’s development cannot rely solely on large industries. Local products, artisans, farmers, small traders, and local entrepreneurs also play a crucial role in the state’s economic progress. The government strives to ensure that opportunities are available where talent exists and that avenues for employment are created where the youth reside.
Citing initiatives like ‘One District, Two Products’ to link local goods with markets, the Chief Minister stated that the government is working to connect traditional crafts and local products with larger markets. The goal is for “Made in Uttarakhand” not to remain limited to the state’s identity alone, but to establish itself as a strong brand in both national and global markets, synonymous with quality and trust.
The Chief Minister noted that activities in sectors such as pharma, herbal, AYUSH, engineering, and auto components are rapidly expanding in the state. Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar have emerged as key industrial hubs of the state.
The Chief Minister called upon traders and industry representatives to further boost investment and business activities in the state. He encouraged traders to expand their businesses, assuring them of the government’s full support. He stated that the government is moving forward with the resolve to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country and aims to achieve the goal of a developed Uttarakhand with the cooperation of the trade and industry sectors.
Several representatives from the trade and industry sectors attended the event, including Ajay Bhatt (MP for Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar), Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaira, and office-bearers Naveen Lal Verma, Dr. Anil Kapoor ‘Dabbu’, Shankar Koranga, and Hukum Singh Kunwar. Officials from the GST, Industries, and SIDCUL departments, as well as other relevant agencies, were also present, including District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, SSP Dr. Manjunath TC, and Chief Development Officer Arvind Kumar Pandey. The event was conducted by Additional Secretary Manmohan Mainali.
