Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 Nov: BJP State President and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt today commended the Central Government for recognising Uttarakhand’s leadership in mining reforms and awarding an additional incentive grant of Rs 100 crores. Bhatt attributed this achievement to the transparent policies and consistent reform efforts of the state government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and he expressed gratitude for the CM’s decisive governance.
Bhatt claimed that Uttarakhand’s success in securing the latest grant is a direct result of the Dhami government’s commitment to transparency, outstanding performance, and continuous policy improvements in the mining sector. The Union Ministry of Mines has sanctioned the Rs 100 crores incentive under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme for the financial year 2025–26, specifically for reforms in minor minerals. He reminded that this follows a previous grant of Rs 100 crores awarded in October 2025 when Uttarakhand achieved second rank in the Sustainable Mining Reforms Index (SMRI). With this, the total incentive received by the state stands at Rs 200 crore, reflecting its exemplary reform trajectory.
Bhatt claimed that Uttarakhand has prioritised mining reforms and introduced progressive policies in recent years, resulting in the state attaining the top rank nationally in the mining sector. He noted that the state has effectively implemented most of the corrective measures in a timely and efficient manner, fulfilling six out of seven key reform criteria related to minor minerals and thereby securing the first position.
The BJP State President further remarked that the transparent and business-friendly approach adopted by the Uttarakhand Government has led to a significant surge in revenue. The Mining Department’s robust management and policy innovations have not only strengthened the state’s financial position but also created employment for lakhs of individuals engaged in mining-related enterprises. This has generated economic opportunities for millions of traders and entrepreneurs linked to the sector. Local residents and government agencies are now able to access construction materials at more affordable rates, further stimulating infrastructure development and the local economy.
Bhatt also asserted that this achievement is a clear indication that the mining sector is emerging as a major source of revenue for the state government. He claimed that the success also serves as a wake-up call for the Congress, which has been levelling baseless allegations regarding mining. He stressed that the Dhami government has secured more incentive awards in a single year than the Congress could manage in its entire tenure through mining-related benefits. He further stated that mining revenue has increased fourfold under the current administration.
Concluding his remarks, Bhatt said that the Dhami government is advancing across all sectors with transparent policies, and the results are evidently in favour of the state’s development and public interest.
