03-11-2025 : President Smt. Droupadi Murmu addressed the Special Session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly marking the State’s Silver Jubilee.

Uttarakhand achieved remarkable milestones in 25 years of progress.

Accountability towards the people is both the strength and challenge of parliamentary democracy.

President Smt. Droupadi Murmu addressed the Special Session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on Monday, held to commemorate the State’s Silver Jubilee. Extending her greetings to all former and current Members of the Legislative Assembly and to the people of Uttarakhand, the President recalled that under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the state was created in November 2000 to ensure better governance and balanced development in accordance with the aspirations of its people.

The President noted that over the past 25 years, Uttarakhand has achieved impressive developmental milestones in key sectors such as environment, energy, tourism, healthcare, and education. The State has also made significant strides in digital and physical connectivity, as well as infrastructure development. These efforts have led to measurable improvement in the Human Development Index, increased literacy rates, expanded women’s education, and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates.

Commending the State’s initiatives for women’s empowerment, the President said that Uttarakhand continues the proud legacy of women such as Sushila Baluni, Bachendri Pal, Gaura Devi, Radha Bhatt, and Vandana Katariya. She also lauded the appointment of Smt. Ritu Khanduri Bhushan as the State’s first woman Speaker and expressed hope that women’s representation in the Legislative Assembly will continue to rise.

Highlighting Uttarakhand’s spiritual and valiant heritage, the President said that the land of the divine has been a source of both faith and courage. The Kumaon and Garhwal Regiments are symbols of this glorious martial tradition. She noted that the youth of Uttarakhand display immense enthusiasm to serve the nation through the Indian Armed Forces — a matter of great pride for all Indians.

The President appreciated the Assembly’s role in strengthening democratic values and commended the passage of over 550 Bills, including the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill, the Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Bill, and the Anti-Cheating Bill. These, she said, have reinforced transparency, ethics, and social justice.

Applauding the Uttarakhand Assembly for enacting the Uniform Civil Code Bill in line with Article 44 of the Constitution, the President said it reflects the vision of India’s founding fathers.

She emphasized that Legislatures are the cornerstone of parliamentary democracy, quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s belief that the framers of the Constitution valued continuous accountability as the essence of the parliamentary system. Remaining constantly accountable to the people, she said, is both the power and the challenge of democracy.

Sharing her personal experience as a legislator for nine years, the President said that true public service requires empathy, integrity, and constant engagement with the people. She urged legislators to rise above party lines and work with dedication for public welfare, particularly focusing on the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society.

The President expressed satisfaction that the Uttarakhand Assembly has adopted the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) and successfully conducted two sessions through this digital platform. She said such initiatives will help legislators exchange best practices with Parliament and other State Legislatures.

Concluding her address, the President said that Uttarakhand is blessed with immense natural beauty and resources, and its future lies in balancing development with environmental preservation. The State’s 25-year journey of progress, she said, has been possible due to the collective efforts of its legislators and citizens. She urged them to continue working with the spirit of “Rashtra Sarvopari” (Nation First) to ensure Uttarakhand’s steady advancement along the path of sustainable growth.

Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.) in his address highlighted Uttarakhand’s 25-year journey as a golden era of economic prosperity, good governance, social justice, women’s empowerment, and infrastructural growth. He expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble President for her inspiring presence and guidance, which, he said, has infused new energy among the people of the State.

The Governor said that this Special Session marks an important reflection on Uttarakhand’s progress so far and will help build a roadmap for the next phase of development. He reiterated that a “Developed Uttarakhand” means not only economic growth but also inclusive and sustainable progress where “Nature and Progress go hand in hand.” He shared the vision of “Prosperous Villages, Empowered Youth, Empowered Women, and a Secure Environment” as the guiding principles for the State’s future.

He further stated that Uttarakhand will be developed into a model State of spirituality, education, health, tourism, organic farming, and green energy over the next 25 years, contributing significantly to the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble President for gracing the State Assembly on this historic occasion. He said that the President’s life embodies perseverance, dedication, and service to the nation — an inspiration to all. He described her as a symbol of compassion, commitment, and courage, and highlighted her efforts for the upliftment of marginalized communities.

He further said that the President’s historic address to the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly will be remembered in golden letters and will continue to inspire the State’s progress for decades to come.

Speaker Smt. Ritu Bhushan Khanduri, in her welcome remarks, said it was a moment of pride for the State Assembly that the Hon’ble President addressed the House on the occasion of Statehood’s Silver Jubilee. She outlined the journey of the Uttarakhand Assembly since its inception in 2001, emphasizing its commitment to democratic values and reforms, including paperless governance and the adoption of NeVA in both Dehradun and Bharadisain.

She also mentioned the establishment of the International Institute of Parliamentary Studies, Research and Training at Bharadisain, which aims to become a Centre of Excellence in legislative and policy research.

Leader of Opposition Shri Yashpal Arya, in his address, welcomed the President and stated that Uttarakhand, with its strategic Himalayan borders adjoining Tibet and Nepal, plays a vital role in national security. He highlighted the contributions of women in protecting the State’s natural resources, referencing the globally acclaimed Chipko Movement, and expressed confidence that the President’s words would inspire renewed dedication among legislators.