14-09-2026 : Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) to Complete Five Years in Office on September 15, 2026
Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note
Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) to Complete Five Years in Office on September 15, 2026
Lok Bhavan Dehradun 14 September, 2026
Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) will complete five years as the Governor of Uttarakhand on September 15, 2026. Since assuming office on September 15, 2021, the Governor has undertaken several significant initiatives with the development of Uttarakhand and the welfare of its people at the core of his efforts.
At the beginning of his tenure, the Governor identified reverse migration, women’s empowerment and girls’ education, artificial intelligence and technology, organic and natural farming, and wellness as five key mission areas. Over the past five years, these priorities have been linked with education, research, technology, healthcare, youth development, women’s empowerment and public participation through a range of innovative initiatives.
Effective Steps towards Reform in Higher Education
As Chancellor of state universities, the Governor has focused on improving quality, transparency, research and innovation in higher education. Initiatives such as “One University–One Research” were introduced to encourage universities to undertake meaningful research and, importantly, translate research outcomes into practical applications on the ground.
To promote transparency and technology-driven processes in higher education, the Uttarakhand College Affiliation Portal was developed, making the affiliation process for colleges and institutions online and time-bound. Video recording of interactions during the Vice-Chancellor selection process was also introduced to enhance transparency.
To facilitate greater communication and exchange of achievements among universities, “University Connect Uttarakhand” and the “Unisangam” mobile application for private universities were launched. For the first time, private universities were brought together on a common platform through a structured mechanism of regular dialogue, strengthening their role in the development of the state.
New Initiatives in Technology and Artificial Intelligence
The Governor has regarded Artificial Intelligence as an important instrument for Uttarakhand’s development and has consistently worked towards integrating it into the functioning of Lok Bhavan as well as education, healthcare, tourism and the social sector.
At Lok Bhavan, Dehradun, systems such as AI-based smart automation, e-Pass, Online Management System, Library Management System, Digital Dashboard and e-Office have been introduced. These initiatives have made the functioning of Lok Bhavan more transparent, modern and efficient.
A virtual tour of Lok Bhavan has also been developed to digitally connect people with the institution. Through the virtual tour, visitors can explore various features of the Lok Bhavan campus, including the Bonsai Garden, Nakshatra Vatika, Raj Pragyeshwar Mahadev Temple, Arogyadham, Rajlakshmi Gaushala and the library.
To enhance transparency and accountability in the management of assets at Lok Bhavan, Dehradun and Nainital, an Inventory Management System was developed and barcodes were placed on materials.
The “Gargi Nari Shakti” AI chatbot is an innovative initiative aimed at providing women with information relating to legal assistance, careers, financial literacy, safety and health. Similarly, through the “Eternal Guru” AI chatbot, efforts have been made to use technology to take the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the spiritual message of Gurbani to a wider audience.
With the launch of the “Uttarakhand AI Mission–2025,” an important step was taken towards connecting AI with the developmental needs of the state. Subsequently, initiatives such as “AI for All” sought to connect university and college students with contemporary AI education and employment-oriented training.
In the same direction, “Operation Saathi,” “Arohi Incubator” and the AI Theme Room were initiated. Through Operation Saathi, talent and ideas are being identified across all 13 districts among students, youth, researchers, women entrepreneurs, farmers, self-help groups and local innovators. The Arohi Incubator is helping connect these ideas with mentorship, research, investment and startup opportunities, while the AI Theme Room seeks to bring artificial intelligence and technological innovation closer to the people.
Reaching Youth and the Border Areas
During the five-year tenure, the Governor has visited all districts of the state on multiple occasions, holding meetings with officials and engaging directly with local communities.
Giving particular attention to border areas and Vibrant Villages, the Governor has visited 30 of the 51 Vibrant Villages in the state. During these visits, he interacted with local residents, youth and ex-servicemen to understand their needs, challenges and opportunities.
Activities such as national integration programmes, goodwill initiatives and educational tours have also been encouraged to connect young talent with nation-building, strengthen respect for the armed forces and ex-servicemen, and provide students with an opportunity to experience and understand different parts of the country.
Women’s Empowerment and Girls’ Education
Women’s empowerment and girls’ education have remained among the Governor’s consistent priorities. The establishment of a Girls’ Self-Defence and Computer Training Centre at Lok Bhavan is an important initiative in this direction. The centre seeks to equip girls with self-defence skills, digital education and skills required for future employment opportunities.
Through programmes focusing on women’s entrepreneurship, financial literacy, health, safety and leadership, emphasis has been placed on enabling women to become more self-reliant and empowered. The AI-based Gargi Nari Shakti initiative further connects these efforts with technology.
Health Awareness and Public Participation from Lok Bhavan
The Governor has actively supported the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, becoming a Nikshay Mitra himself and supporting TB patients. Under his guidance, a large number of Nikshay Mitras have been connected with the campaign. The Governor himself has become a Nikshay Mitra for 93 TB patients, providing them support under the initiative.
Lok Bhavan has hosted awareness programmes and seminars on a range of public-interest subjects, including tuberculosis, mental health, breast cancer, arthritis, Ayurveda, Marma therapy, financial literacy and tax literacy.
As part of the focus on wellness, Arogyadham was established at the Lok Bhavan campus, offering facilities such as Panchakarma, Marma therapy and physiotherapy. The initiative seeks to promote health and wellness through a meaningful integration of traditional knowledge and modern approaches.
Initiatives towards a Green Lok Bhavan
Several initiatives have been undertaken to promote environmental conservation at Lok Bhavan, including rainwater harvesting. Rainwater conservation measures have created a system for conserving and saving approximately 200 kilolitres of water. Alongside increasing green cover, these efforts convey a wider message of water conservation and environmental responsibility.
The foundation of multi-purpose buildings at Lok Bhavan represents an important step towards creating a more efficient and effective working environment. These green buildings are being developed with modern facilities while keeping environmental sustainability and traditional Himalayan architectural principles in mind.
Bringing together spiritual, natural and cultural heritage, Nakshatra Vatika has been established with 27 plants associated with the 27 Nakshatras. The Lok Bhavan Bonsai Garden has also been expanded, with more than 500 plants being conserved. The establishment of a Gaushala has further connected the campus with the values of Indian culture and environmental conservation.
Addressing Public Grievances and Special Sensitivity towards the Armed Forces
A grievance redressal mechanism has been established at Lok Bhavan to address the concerns of ex-servicemen and their dependants. Public interaction programmes have also been organised from time to time, during which the Governor personally heard people’s grievances and directed concerned officials to take appropriate action.
To strengthen coordination with Central institutions located in Uttarakhand, regular meetings have been held with their heads. These efforts have sought to connect the expertise and resources of Central institutions with the developmental needs of Uttarakhand.
Regular Family Interaction Programmes have also been organised for officers and employees working at Lok Bhavan, providing an opportunity to hear their personal and professional concerns. Personnel who have performed exceptionally have been recognised and honoured, strengthening a sense of teamwork and institutional belonging.
From Resolve and Innovation towards Transformation
The five-year journey of Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) reflects a strong emphasis on service, dialogue, technology, innovation and public participation, alongside the discharge of his constitutional responsibilities.
Keeping in view Uttarakhand’s unique geographical and social circumstances, initiatives have been undertaken across diverse areas—from education to AI, research to startups, healthcare to wellness, women’s empowerment to youth talent, environmental conservation to border-area development.
The overarching objective throughout these five years has been to ensure that Uttarakhand’s talent, resources and potential become powerful drivers of its development, enabling Devbhoomi Uttarakhand to play a distinctive and meaningful role in the journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047.
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