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Uttarakhand Utsav: It has been 25 years since the formation of Uttarakhand. On this occasion, Live Times interviewed former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal, in which he gave candid answers regarding the development of the state.
18 November, 2025
Uttarakhand Utsav: It has been 25 years since Uttarakhand was formed. On this occasion the state celebrated its silver jubilee. There was a festive atmosphere in the entire state. Cultural programs were organized at various places in the state. On this occasion, the government remembered the struggles of the people, who had sacrificed everything to create Uttarakhand. on this special occasion Live Times Of Editor in Chief Dilip Singh of Uttarakhand Former Chief Minister and former Education Minister of India Ramesh Pokhriyal (Harish Rawat) Did an exclusive interview. Read below in detail about the development of Uttarakhand. Ramesh Pokhriyal What did he say and with what frankness did he answer each question?
Dilip Singh– How will you describe the 25-year journey of Uttarakhand from your perspective and in your own words?
Ramesh Pokhriyal– Uttarakhand is the most different state of the country in all respects. There are many national and international things in it, which are very important for humanity. If I say briefly about the 25 year journey of Uttarakhand, then these 25 years have been very pleasant and successful. Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, these three states were formed together. If we analyze all three states together, Uttarakhand is far ahead. Even if you analyze from the point of view of Himalayan states, you will still see Uttarakhand far ahead. We have struggled for Uttarakhand since the 80s. Bharatiya Janata Party had made Uttarakhand a shadow state in the name of Uttaranchal Pradesh Sangharsh Samiti, in which I worked. There is a world of difference between the circumstances of that time and today’s situation. When I was the Hill Development Minister during Kalyan Singh’s regime, the responsibility for the overall development of these 8 districts came under the Hill Development Ministry, so I have seen all the changes very closely. I can say with all facts, evidence and confidence that the state has made a lot of progress.
Ramesh Pokhriyal said about the difficulties of state building, I convinced Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. After this he formed a committee under the chairmanship of the Defense Minister. As for Udham Singh Nagar, the Chief Minister of Punjab was adamant that it should not be included in Uttarakhand. At the same time, the Uttar Pradesh government also did not want to give Haridwar to Uttarakhand, but for us Haridwar is our gate, our courtyard. Devbhoomi is incomplete without Haridwar. Atal ji told me that Uttarakhand will be formed, but it will be formed after removing Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. Political parties put pressure on the Center to withdraw support. We had also said that if this does not happen then we all will resign. Uttarakhand was formed after great difficulties.
Dilip Singh– You created this state with great expectations. How well did you live up to those expectations?
Ramesh Pokhriyal– We always said that Uttarakhand is the spear of India. We are surrounded by two foreign borders. We both give youth and water to the country. One person from every house goes to the border and sacrifices himself. Therefore it should also be developed. Today roads have reached every village. Today we have medical colleges. I prepared medical colleges in Udham Singh Nagar and Haldwani. We brought 108 (emergency order) in our state. We made poor and talented children doctors by educating them. Today crores of people are coming here for tourism and pilgrimage. A tunnel of more than 14 kilometers has been built. We expanded in the air route. There are 30-32 universities in our small state. We have IITs and IIMs, but there is always scope for growth.
– People migrate from the state for employment and better education. Even today there are ghost villages in Uttarakhand, do you believe that the policies needed for them could not be made or they need to be improved.
Ramesh Pokhriyal-There is always scope for improving policies and there is. When I became the Chief Minister in 2010, I had prepared Vision 2020 that no matter who forms the government, we should follow the path of development.
Dilip Singh– Was that vision carried forward after you?
Dilip Singh– Has a model of development been created in 25 years by taking nature and culture forward?
Watch the full interview with Live Times to know this special thing about Jeet.
