Uttarakhand cabinet approves new policies to boost employment for women, youth and ex-servicemen

The Uttarakhand cabinet, meeting shortly after the state assembly was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, gave its nod to a series of new measures, including employment-focused policies for women, youth, and ex-servicemen, along with amendments to victim assistance provisions and a fresh witness protection scheme.

Employment initiatives for women, youth and ex-servicemen

Under the new framework, the state government will roll out skill development and training programmes to expand job opportunities in both government and private sectors.

Coaching for competitive exams such as government services, NEET, nursing, foreign languages, and artificial intelligence will be organised. Plans also include youth festivals, job fairs, and vocational training through ITIs, polytechnics, and schools, supported by short, medium, and long-term strategies to link young people with employment.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami remarked, "This initiative will go a long way in providing earning opportunities for people in the state."

To encourage self-employment, women and youth in each block will receive training in beekeeping, apple cultivation, and horticulture, initially benefiting 200 people per block. A voluntary land consolidation scheme is also on the anvil.

For farmers and producers, the agriculture department has signed an MoU with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for the purchase of local products such as fruits, vegetables, and milk. Similar agreements will soon be finalised with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and other central agencies to expand markets for local produce.

The industry department will support market linkages in the private sector, while ex-servicemen engaged with UPNL will be integrated with government schemes and matched with employment suited to their skills.

Amendments to crime victim assistance scheme

The cabinet also approved changes to the Uttarakhand Crime Victim Assistance Scheme, 2013 (earlier amended in 2014 and 2016). Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli explained that while Pocso courts had directed compensation to victims under the Pocso Act, 2012, the scheme lacked clear provisions, creating implementation challenges.

The new Uttarakhand Crime Victim Assistance (Amendment) Scheme, 2025 adds Schedule-2, specifying minimum and maximum compensation amounts for Pocso victims. This will ensure timely and effective support in line with court directions.

Witness protection scheme introduced

To further strengthen the justice system, the cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Witness Protection Scheme, 2025. The scheme is designed to guarantee the safety, dignity, and freedom of witnesses, ensuring they can testify without fear, intimidation, or retaliation.

Key measures include confidentiality of identity, relocation, changes in contact details, physical protection, and financial aid when required. Confidentiality will be treated as the highest priority in all cases.

A state witness protection committee has been set up, comprising members of the judiciary, police, and senior district officials, to assess threats and implement appropriate measures swiftly.