Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday, 15 November 2026, outlined a range of state-led women empowerment initiatives at the Nari Shakti Samman Ceremony in Kaladhungi, Nainital, asserting that genuine respect for women can only be realised when they are given equal opportunities across every sphere of life.

What Dhami Said

Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said: 'True respect for women lies in ensuring they receive equal opportunities in every field, that their decisions are given importance, that their talents are recognised, that they get opportunities to move forward, they become self-reliant, aware, advance in every sphere, and are free to fulfil their dreams.'

He framed women's empowerment as a cascading force: 'When a woman is empowered, the family is empowered; when the family is empowered, society is empowered; and when society is empowered, the state and the nation also become empowered.'

Key Announcements at the Event

The Chief Minister announced the registration of 70 additional gypsies at the Corbett Tiger Reserve to generate employment opportunities specifically for women in the region. He also honoured 22 women who have made notable contributions in sports, education, agriculture, self-employment, and allied sectors, calling their achievements 'an inspiration for society.'

For the Kaladhungi constituency, Dhami announced the installation of 200 electricity poles, construction of a new road in Nawaad Tok Sailani of Gram Gujrauda, a mini stadium in Kaladhungi, widening of the road on the Godapadav Bypass Route connecting Bajwalpur-Kishanpur villages, and upgradation of Kaladhungi Hospital.

State Schemes and Reservations

Dhami detailed the state government's structural provisions: women in Uttarakhand hold 30 per cent horizontal reservation in government services and 33 per cent reservation in cooperative societies. More than five lakh rural women are associated with over 71,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission.

He noted that more than 3.5 lakh women in the state have attained the status of 'Lakhpati Didis.' The Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana is providing market access for products made by women's SHGs, while the Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana is focused on making single women economically self-reliant.

House of Himalayas and Financial Assistance

The Chief Minister highlighted the House of Himalayas brand, launched to give Uttarakhand's traditional products national and international market reach. Around 5,500 women are associated with the initiative, which has recorded cumulative sales of more than ₹6 crore so far, he said.

Under the Nanda Gaura Yojana, eligible girls receive financial assistance of ₹11,000 at birth and ₹51,000 upon passing Class 12. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), already implemented in Uttarakhand, was cited as a measure to ensure women's safety and equal rights.

Central Schemes and Personal Reflections

Dhami credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for giving 'new momentum' to women's empowerment nationally, citing the Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. He also referenced the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

On a personal note, the Chief Minister recalled witnessing his mother manage family responsibilities with limited resources, calling her 'struggles, discipline, and hard work' a continuing source of inspiration. 'The determination and resilience of the women of the hills are stronger and higher than the Himalayas,' he remarked. The state government's efforts, he concluded, aim to provide women with a safe environment, dignified opportunities, and all necessary support for self-reliance.