Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Interacts with Traders and Industry Representatives in Haldwani

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today interacted with traders, industry representatives, and office-bearers of various trade associations from the Kumaon region at a dialogue programme held at ITC Fortune, Haldwani, following the National Sports Day programme. The Chief Minister listened to their concerns, suggestions, and expectations and assured them of all possible support from the state government for their resolution.

During the interaction, traders and industry representatives raised several issues before the Chief Minister, including simplification of GST-related procedures, mandi fees, encroachment and parking problems, lease renewals, expansion of basic infrastructure in industrial areas, better market access for local products, and measures to encourage young entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister said that traders and industries are the backbone of the state’s economy. From small shopkeepers to large entrepreneurs, every trader is an important partner in Uttarakhand’s development journey. He said the state government is sensitive to the interests of traders and entrepreneurs and is continuously working to create a safe, transparent, and simplified business environment.

The Chief Minister recalled the contribution of traders during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that grocery and retail traders delivered ration and other essential commodities to people without worrying about their own safety. During the crisis, the trading community fulfilled its responsibility towards society and proved that it is a strong pillar of the country and the state. He said, “Our traders are true ambassadors of Brand India.”

Chief Minister Dhami said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed a new sense of confidence in trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation over the past 12 years. He said the Prime Minister has consistently worked to create an environment where even young people from ordinary families can dream of becoming job creators rather than merely job seekers. Both the Central and State governments are encouraging entrepreneurship and self-employment among the youth with this vision.

He said the state government is continuously working to make the Ease of Doing Business environment in Uttarakhand simpler and more effective. The “Nivesh Mitra” system has been established for the speedy resolution of investors’ and entrepreneurs’ concerns, while the single-window system has also been strengthened. At present, more than 206 services of 26 major departments are available online through the single-window portal.

The Chief Minister said that, taking the suggestions received from industry and traders during the Investors Summit seriously, the state government has formulated more than 30 policies. Suggestions from the industry and business community were given priority in the formulation of these policies, which are now yielding positive results in the form of expanding industrial activities across the state.

He said that more than 29,000 new MSME units have been established in Uttarakhand in the past few years, providing direct employment to approximately 1.27 lakh youth. The government’s approach is clear: governance should not be a hurdle for industries but should act as a facilitator and partner. As industries grow, employment opportunities will increase, further strengthening Uttarakhand’s economy.

The Chief Minister said that the Uttarakhand Startup Policy has been implemented with the objective of enabling young people to become job creators through their ideas, innovation, and entrepreneurial ventures. A ₹200 crore venture fund has also been established. The government aims to ensure that youth from the hill regions can remain in their villages while building businesses for national and global markets.

He said that industrial development in the state should not remain confined to the plains. Industrial activities are also being promoted in the hill districts. Land has been identified for special industrial parks in Chamoli, Pauri, and Almora to promote small industries. A flatted factory is being developed in Haridwar to provide modern facilities to small entrepreneurs, while similar facilities are planned for Selaqui and Pantnagar in the future.

The Chief Minister said the government’s objective is to ensure that opportunities are available wherever talent exists and employment avenues are created wherever young people are present. Uttarakhand’s development cannot be achieved through large industries alone. Products made in villages, artisans, farmers, small traders, and local entrepreneurs are equally important partners in the state’s development journey.

He said initiatives such as “One District, Two Products” are being used to connect local products and traditional handicrafts with larger markets. The government aims to ensure that “Made in Uttarakhand” becomes not merely an identity for products from the state but a strong brand in global markets based on quality and trust. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, herbal products, AYUSH, engineering, and auto components are growing rapidly in the state. Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar have emerged as major industrial centres of Uttarakhand.

Calling upon traders and industry representatives to further expand investment and business activities in the state, the Chief Minister said, “You expand your business; the government stands with you.” He said the state government is moving forward with its “Sankalp Vikalp Rahit” (unwavering resolve) to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country. With the cooperation and participation of the business and industry community, the vision of a developed Uttarakhand will be realised, and the state will play an important role in building a developed India.

On the occasion, Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar MP Ajay Bhatt, Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, office-bearers Naveen Lal Verma, Dr. Anil Kapoor ‘Dabbu’, Shankar Koranga and Hukum Singh Kunwar, along with business and industry representatives Kashmiri Lal Goyal, Neeraj Sharda, Radharaman Agarwal, Saket Agarwal, Deepak Maheshwari, Gaurav Goyal, Juhi Goyal, Naveen Agarwal and Rajaram Agarwal, were present.

District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Ryal, SSP Dr. Manjunath T.C., Chief Development Officer Arvind Kumar Pandey, and officials from GST, Industries, SIDCUL and other concerned departments were also present. The programme was conducted by Additional Secretary Manmohan Mainali.