The Chief Minister's Office of Uttarakhand announced on Saturday, 30 May 2026 that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed a seminar titled 'Viksit Bharat 2047 ke Nirman mein Ucch Shiksha ka Mahattva' ('The Importance of Higher Education in Building Viksit Bharat 2047') at Shivalik College of Engineering, Dehradun, calling higher education the 'cornerstone of a developed, self-reliant and prosperous India.'

Context

Addressing educators, academics and policymakers gathered at the Dehradun institution, CM Dhami stated that higher education is 'not merely a means of acquiring knowledge, but the foundation for building a developed, self-reliant and prosperous India.' He called on the assembled scholars and experts to actively contribute their knowledge and experience toward realising the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

The seminar drew prominent attendees including BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt, Higher Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, and vice-chancellors from multiple universities across the state.

Policy Backdrop

CM Dhami highlighted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as 'a historic initiative to restore the ancient glory of the Indian education system,' crediting it with equipping students for future challenges through innovation, research and practical skills. He attributed 'unprecedented transformation' in education, innovation, research and skill development to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The NEP 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, replaced the 1986 framework and restructured both school and higher education with a focus on multidisciplinary learning and the revival of traditional Indian knowledge systems. CM Dhami also cited Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat as programmes that have 'provided new momentum to India's development journey,' noting that India is emerging as a major global startup hub.

Uttarakhand's Education Initiatives

The Chief Minister outlined several state-level measures being pursued by the Uttarakhand government, including the expansion of smart classrooms, digital libraries and online teaching facilities. He said modern subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Science are being actively promoted across the state's educational institutions.

He also highlighted the newly established Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University, Dehradun, saying it 'will give a new direction to the study and research of Indian knowledge traditions.' The state government is simultaneously encouraging industry-academic coordination, internships, industry-linked curricula, and the development of startup and incubation centres.

Stakeholders and Impact

CM Dhami underscored a shift in the government's stated objective for youth: 'The state government's goal is not just to make youth job-seekers, but job-creators.' This framing places Uttarakhand's education policy within the broader national push to convert demographic advantage into entrepreneurial capacity.

Students enrolled in higher education across Uttarakhand, aspiring entrepreneurs and academic institutions stand to be most directly affected by the policy directions outlined at the seminar. The emphasis on AI, data science and startup incubation signals the state's intent to align its curricula with emerging industry demand for the 2026-27 academic session and beyond.

What's Next

The seminar's recommendations are expected to inform potential state budget provisions or memoranda of understanding with industry partners for internship-linked curricula. The rollout of new AI and Machine Learning programmes at Uttarakhand universities and the operationalisation of incubation centres will be key markers of follow-through on the commitments outlined by the Chief Minister. The Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University also represents a distinct institutional development to watch as it begins its research activities.