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Uttarakhand unveils Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2026

Source:arunodaytimes ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for Uttarakhand PCS aspirants as it covers major state-level policy announcements regarding science, technology, innovation, and ecological accounting models like GEP.

Summary

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the Uttarakhand Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2026, aimed at bolstering R&D, innovation, and technological infrastructure across the state. Additionally, he called for implementing a state-specific Gross Environment Product (GEP) model to balance development with environmental preservation in the Himalayan ecosystem.

Key Points

  • Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the Uttarakhand Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2026 to foster research, development, and technological advancements within the state.
  • The CM emphasized the creation of a state-specific Gross Environment Product (GEP) model to quantify and integrate ecological and environmental conservation into state economic planning.
  • The initiative aims to leverage technology for sustainable development, addressing local ecological vulnerabilities, and promoting regional economic growth tailored to Himalayan conditions.

Important Terms

Science Technology and Innovation Policy 2026

A policy unveiled by Uttarakhand in 2026 to boost R&D, innovation, science education, and technological infrastructure, integrating traditional knowledge with emerging technologies like AI and blockchain.

UPSC context

Crucial for UKPSC General Studies Paper V (Uttarakhand Specific) and Science & Technology, testing knowledge of state-level innovation frameworks and technological advancements.

Source
Gross Environment Product GEP Model

A pioneering framework to assess and assign monetary value to ecological resources like air, water, forests, and soil, balancing economic development with Himalayan environmental preservation.

UPSC context

Important for UKPSC GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology) and Paper V (State Economy & Ecology), testing sustainable development models in hilly regions.

Source

Prelims Trap

Gross Environment Product (GEP) is simply a modified version of Green GDP measuring economic output minus carbon costs.

Aspirants often confuse Gross Environment Product (GEP) with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or Green GDP. GEP specifically quantifies and values ecological services, whereas Green GDP adjusts GDP for environmental degradation.

Static Concepts Connected

Uttarakhand Specific Current Affairs & Environment

What are the core pillars and significance of Uttarakhand's Gross Environment Product (GEP) model?

  • Pillars: Four Pillars: Calculated using four primary natural resource vectors—forests, water bodies, soil, and air quality.
  • Pioneering Status: First in India: Uttarakhand became the pioneer state to quantify natural resources and ecosystem services in monetary terms.
  • Economic Balance: Policy Integration: Aims to complement traditional GDP by factoring in ecological degradation and conservation gains into state planning.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • GEP Index & Ecological Fiscal Transfers

    Uttarakhand's pioneering GEP framework directly intersects with Green GDP accounting and Fourteenth/Fifteenth Finance Commission forest-cover weightages for fiscal devolution.

  • STI Policy & Himalayan Disaster Mitigation

    Dehradun's upcoming Science City and the STI Policy 2026 merge regional R&D with Himalayan disaster-resilient infrastructure planning.

Expect a direct statement on Uttarakhand being the first state to adopt GEP, matched with its four core pillars (air, water, forest, soil).

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    According to Uttarakhand Economic Survey 2024-25, what was the projected growth rate of the Gross State Domestic Product (at constant prices) of Uttarakhand in 2024-25?

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below : Statement 1 : The State Council for Climate Change (SCCC) of Uttarakhand was established in the year 2011. Statement 2 : The responsibility of preparing Uttarakhand Action Plan on Climate Change (UAPCC) was given to the State Revenue Department.