Dehradun, 10 July: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called upon corporate leaders to actively contribute to the state’s inclusive and sustainable development through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Addressing the ‘Uttarakhand CSR Dialogue’ held at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office in Dehradun, the Chief Minister appealed to industries and public sector enterprises to become long-term partners in the state’s growth journey.
Welcoming representatives from leading corporates, central public sector undertakings, CSR partners, industry bodies and social organisations, CM Dhami emphasized that contributing to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand through CSR carries special significance. Referring to Indian scriptures, he said that charitable work undertaken in sacred places is considered especially meaningful, making CSR investments in Uttarakhand an opportunity to create lasting social impact.
Appeal to Spend CSR Funds in Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister appreciated companies already implementing impactful CSR projects in the state and urged other industries operating in Uttarakhand to allocate their CSR funds locally. He said that while being born in Devbhoomi is a blessing, every individual and organisation has the opportunity to contribute through meaningful work.
CSR Partnerships for Inclusive Development
Describing the CSR Dialogue as more than a formal event, CM Dhami said it represented a shared commitment to improving the lives of people living in the remotest parts of the state.
During the programme, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with leading companies covering priority sectors such as:
- Skill Development
- Road Safety
- Women Empowerment
- Rural Development
- Education
Several corporate groups also announced new development projects for Uttarakhand under their CSR programmes.
Balanced Development for a Mountain State
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s unique geographical and ecological challenges, the Chief Minister said the Himalayan state requires a development model that balances economic growth with environmental conservation.
He stressed that development should not be limited to roads and infrastructure but must also generate employment, strengthen social development and preserve forests, rivers and fragile mountain ecosystems. According to him, the corporate sector’s expertise, institutional capacity and commitment to social welfare can play a transformative role in achieving these objectives.
Government Committed to Investment-Friendly Growth
CM Dhami highlighted the state’s efforts to promote industrial development and improve the investment climate. He noted that the Global Investors Summit 2023 attracted investment proposals worth over ₹3.56 lakh crore, with projects exceeding ₹1 lakh crore already under implementation.
He said the government has introduced a single-window clearance system and implemented more than 30 investor-friendly policies, including industrial, logistics, startup and MSME policies, to simplify business operations.
To encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, the state has also established incubation centres and created a ₹200 crore venture fund for startups.
Recognition for Governance and Ease of Doing Business
The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand has earned national recognition for its governance reforms, securing the top position in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, while also being recognised as an ‘Achiever’in Ease of Doing Business and a ‘Leader’ in Startup Rankings.
Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparent governance, CM Dhami said Uttarakhand has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, resulting in disciplinary action against more than 200 officials and employees in recent years.
He assured investors that transparent governance has significantly improved the business environment by ensuring faster approvals, easier land allocation and hassle-free licensing processes.
Leading Companies Sign CSR MoUs
CSR partnership agreements were signed with several prominent organisations, including:
- Kia India
- Hyundai
- L&T (Larsen & Toubro)
- Infosys Foundation
- ONGC
- ITC Limited
- Mahindra Last Mile Mobility
- Aditya Birla Capital
- Finolex
- Panasonic
Concluding his address, CM Dhami reiterated the government’s vision of making Uttarakhand one of India’s most investment-friendly states and expressed confidence that collaboration between responsible businesses and transparent governance would help build a sustainable, inclusive economy that could serve as a national model.
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