Uttarakhand Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh has called on officials to work towards making Almora a drug-free district and to link youth and residents with self-employment opportunities. During his visit to Almora on Friday, the Governor held a meeting with district officials at the Circuit House and gave these directives.
He was welcomed by District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey, SSP Devendra Pincha, and CDO Divesh Shashni. In the meeting, the DM informed the Governor that temporary teachers have been appointed in government schools using mining trust funds to address staff shortages. Additionally, in coordination with Mumbai’s PACE Academy, free virtual NEET and engineering coaching is being provided to school students. For women empowerment, Pink e-rickshaws are being operated in Almora, helping local women gain employment.
The SSP presented an overview of the ongoing anti-drug operations. Several other officials, including CMO Dr. R.C. Pant, SDM Sadar Sanjay Kumar, and DDO S.K. Pant, were present during the review.
The Governor flagged off the “Didi Ki Rasoi” van from the Circuit House. This mobile canteen, operated by women from self-help groups, will offer meals, snacks, and fast food. The initiative is funded through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, the Rural Development Department, and the Himmothan (REAP) project.
During his visit, the Governor also offered prayers at Chitai Goljyu Devta Temple and Jageshwar Dham with his family. At Jageshwar, he was welcomed by Tehsildar Barkha Jalal, acting manager of the temple committee, Vice Chairman Naveen Bhatt, and priest representative Naveen Chandra Bhatt.
