Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended heartfelt greetings to civil service officers serving across the state on the occasion of Civil Services Day today.
Acknowledging their crucial role in governance, he said, "The dream of a 'developed' India and a 'developed' Uttarakhand are becoming a reality with the active participation and committed efforts of the civil service officers."
In a significant move to strengthen border economies and enhance local livelihoods, the Uttarakhand Animal Husbandry Department has partnered directly with local livestock farmers through the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Since the implementation of this initiative, 253 farmers from four border districts—Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Champawat—have generated business worth Rs 2.6 crore within the first five months.
Previously, ITBP battalions stationed in these districts relied on urban markets for their supply of mutton, chicken, and fish. This new scheme, officially contracted on October 30, has allowed farmers from 10 cooperative societies and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to directly supply fresh livestock to nearby ITBP units. Between the launch and March, farmers delivered a total of 79,530 kg of fresh produce, including 42,748 kg of live sheep and goats, 29,407 kg of chicken, and 7,374 kg of trout fish.
CM Dhami noted, "This scheme has yielded very positive results, with an increase in the income of farmers on the border, which will also reduce migration to the villages." He added that the government will work closely with the ITBP to further strengthen the defence line of the country, ensuring the supply of fresh food to personnel stationed in remote regions.
In a separate event, CM Dhami flagged off 20 new fire tenders and emergency vehicles as part of the Uttarakhand Fire Service's efforts to enhance public safety. The event, held at Police Line in Dehradun during Fire Service Week, saw the Chief Minister honouring seven firefighters who earned medals at the Third All India Fire Service Games, as well as two recipients of the DGFS Disc Medal from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Chief Minister also announced future plans to bolster the fire department's infrastructure. “New fire stations will be opened soon in Bhimtal, Dwarahat, Gauchar, Purola, and Sahastradhara,” he said. He further revealed plans to establish a world-class training centre for fire services in Uttarakhand and declared a Rs 10,000 incentive for all fire personnel who served during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Civil Services Day is observed in India on April 21 every year to commemorate the historic address of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the first batch of civil servants at Metcalfe House, Delhi, in 1947.
Often referred to as the 'Father of Indian Civil Services,' Patel had urged officers to serve the nation with integrity and dedication. The day serves as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of civil servants in public administration and policy implementation.