Uttarakhand Achieves Rapid Development Under Double Engine Governance
Source:garhwalpost ↗
Why It Matters
This article directly addresses critical policy reforms, constitutional directives (Article 44), and administrative schemes of Uttarakhand, such as the UCC, border area development, and women empowerment. These topics are highly popular and routinely tested in the UKPSC PCS Prelims exam.
Summary
During the 'Dainik Jagran Samvad' event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami outlined Uttarakhand's rapid development under the 'double-engine' governance model. Key state milestones highlighted include the historic implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the socio-economic empowerment of over 2.65 lakh women under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, the strategic development of border regions like Mana under the Vibrant Villages Programme, the expansion of the tourism sector (including the Winter Char Dham Yatra), and the enactment of a strict anti-cheating law to ensure transparent recruitment.
Key Points
- Uniform Civil Code (UCC): Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to pass and implement a bill on the Uniform Civil Code, aligning with Article 44 (Directive Principles of State Policy) of the Indian Constitution.
- Border Village Development: Chief Minister Dhami highlighted PM Modi's vision from Mana village (Chamoli district), designating border villages as the 'first villages of the country' rather than the last. This aligns with the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' aimed at developing strategic international frontier zones, improving living standards, and preventing out-migration.
- Lakhpati Didi Scheme: More than 2.65 lakh women in Uttarakhand have become 'Lakhpati Didis' (earning over Rs 1 lakh annually through self-help groups). Notably, 100% of the women in Mana village have achieved this status.
- Tourism and Pilgrimage: Uttarakhand hosted over 23 crore tourists and pilgrims over the last three years. The introduction of the 'Winter Char Dham Yatra' and infrastructural expansion have heavily bolstered the state's economy. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is the apex body responsible for promoting tourism in the state.
- Anti-Cheating Law: To guarantee competitive exam transparency, the state implemented a strict anti-cheating law (Uttarakhand Competitive Examination Ordinance), which imposes severe penalties on unfair recruitment practices.
- Disaster Resilience: Despite Uttarakhand's natural vulnerability to climate change, cloudbursts, and landslides, the state government has established efficient mechanisms to restore normalcy swiftly post-calamities.
Important Terms
Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
A proposed common set of civil laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, replacing religion-based personal laws to ensure legal uniformity and gender justice.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Polity and Constitution): Tests understanding of Article 44 (DPSP), gender equality, and constitutional debates on secularism.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme
A central initiative under the DAY-NRLM aiming to economically empower rural women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to achieve a sustainable annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Welfare Schemes) and GS Paper III (Inclusive Growth): Evaluates rural livelihoods and women-led micro-entrepreneurship models.
Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II)
A government initiative focusing on comprehensive infrastructure and livelihood development of select border villages, aimed at preventing out-migration and strengthening national security along frontier regions.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Internal Security/Border Area Management): Analyzes strategic development as a civilian-led first line of defense.
Winter Char Dham Yatra
A seasonal pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand where deities of the high-altitude Char Dham shrines are worshiped at lower-altitude winter seats (e.g., Ukhimath, Joshimath) due to heavy snowfall.
UPSC context
GS Paper I (Indian Heritage and Culture) and GS Paper III (Tourism and Disaster Management): Examines cultural traditions and disaster resilience.
Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention and Redressal of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act
A landmark anti-cheating legislation in Uttarakhand imposing strict penalties, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 crore, to deter paper leaks and malpractices in state recruitment examinations.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Governance and Civil Services): Critically assesses state-level public administrative reforms to ensure transparent, merit-based selection.
Prelims Trap
The Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand applies uniformly to all residents, overriding all customary laws of tribal groups.
The Uttarakhand UCC Act explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes defined under Article 366(25) and areas protected under Part XXI of the Constitution.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the constitutional and federal status of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
- Constitutional basis: Article 44 of the Directive Principles (DPSP) directs the State to secure a UCC for all citizens throughout India's territory.
- Legislative jurisdiction: Personal laws like marriage, divorce, and succession fall under Entry 5 of the Concurrent List, allowing both Centre and states to legislate.
- Tribal exemptions: Article 44 must be balanced with special provisions and protections granted to tribal communities under Article 371 and the Sixth Schedule.
What are the core parameters of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)?
- Primary objective: To develop infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in border villages to curb out-migration and enhance national security.
- Administrative scope: Focuses on designated border blocks, creating hub-and-spoke models through local cooperatives, tourism, and cultural heritage promotion.
- Security convergence: Acts as a strategic civilian buffer by transforming isolated border locations into active, connected economic hubs.
Cross-Topic Patterns
UCC versus Special Tribal Protections
State-level UCC laws test the limits of Article 44 when juxtaposed with the cultural and customary protections guaranteed to tribal groups under Article 371.
Border Demography as National Defense
The Vibrant Villages Programme integrates economic development with national security, using civilian retention to secure vulnerable frontier zones.
UCC state-level exemptions for Scheduled Tribes and the legislative limits of the Concurrent List will likely feature in 2026 Prelims.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which programme was approved by the Union Cabinet in April, 2025 to develop border villages ?
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
UTDB is established in Uttarakhand to promote:
- 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below : Statement 1 : Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to climate change. Statement 2 : Climate change is causing water stress and depleting biodiversity in Uttarakhand.
