The Uttarakhand Assembly’s budget session commenced on Tuesday with Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) delivering his address. In his one-hour speech, the Governor outlined the government’s past development plans and its future roadmap. He highlighted 43 departmental schemes, emphasizing how the administration aims to benefit the public in the upcoming financial year.
The Governor began his address with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), describing it as a law that protects women’s rights. He also discussed key initiatives such as the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Recovery Act 2024, Operation Mukti under Operation Smile, the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, Real-Time Traffic Advisory, and a compensation policy for prisoners.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s achievements in sports, the Governor noted that state athletes had won over 100 medals in the National Games. He also mentioned the Khel Mahakumbh, the Chief Minister’s Emerging Player Promotion Scheme, and the policy of offering government jobs to international-level sports winners. Additionally, he stated that Uttarakhand ranks first in the country in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is working on the Family Identity Card scheme.
The opposition created an uproar demanding an extension of the budget session. Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya argued that the short session duration made it difficult to address public issues. Opposition MLAs entered the well of the House, shouting slogans and accusing the government of avoiding key public concerns. BSP MLA Mohammad Shahzad also joined the protest. Eventually, the opposition walked out of the session in protest.
During the budget address, ruling party legislators applauded the government’s achievements, while opposition members continued their sloganeering. After the lunch break, the opposition once again raised the demand for an extended session. Ultimately, Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan adjourned the House proceedings until Wednesday.
