Dehradun, Oct. 11 -- Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday said the Uttarakhand government is fully committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 while maintaining a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the Himalayan state. Dhami was speaking after inaugurating the 24th International Conference of the Indian Association of Social Science Institutions (IASSI) at Doon University, Dehradun. The two-day conference has brought together eminent scholars, policymakers, and researchers from across India and abroad to deliberate on contemporary issues of social welfare, economics, employment, industry, agriculture, technology, environment, and urbanisation. The Chief Minister said that the sessions of the IASSI annual convention would feature meaningful discussions and brainstorming on key social and economic issues, which would contribute to the effective implementation of policies and the development of practical measures for people's welfare at both state and national levels. Dhami said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable progress on multiple fronts, guided by the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'. "Over the past 11 years, the Union Government has ensured that development reaches every section of society through numerous welfare schemes such as the Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat Yojana. These schemes have benefited millions of citizens and brought visible improvements in the lives of the poor," he said. The Chief Minister added that India's efforts towards sustainable development are reflected in initiatives such as the Solar Mission, Electric Mobility Mission, Green Hydrogen Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Namami Gange Programme, and Plastic-Free India Campaign. "These initiatives have significantly contributed to environmental conservation and have set the direction for the nation's future growth," he said. Dhami said that the Uttarakhand government is committed to following the same path, ensuring that every step of development aligns with the principles of social justice and sustainability. He noted that several welfare measures have been implemented in the state to strengthen social inclusion. "We have increased old-age pensions, extended the pension scheme to both husband and wife, and shifted from quarterly to monthly pension disbursements to ensure timely support. Every decision of the state government is guided by the spirit of social justice," he said. Highlighting Uttarakhand's commitment to the 2030 SDG agenda, Dhami said the government has introduced a "three-pillar, nine-point policy" that focuses on balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. This approach, he said, represents the state's firm resolve to maintain harmony between ecology and economy while fostering inclusive growth. The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has ranked first among Indian states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, according to NITI Aayog's assessment. "Our efforts continue in areas such as poverty alleviation, food security, sanitation, gender equality, clean energy, financial inclusion, and urban development. Each of these areas is vital to creating a strong foundation for a sustainable future," he added. He said the state government is strengthening these sectors through several flagship schemes, including the Chief Minister's Women Entrepreneurship Promotion Scheme, the Solar Energy Revolution Campaign, the Smart City Mission, and the Chief Minister's Urban Livelihoods Scheme. These initiatives, he said, aim to promote self-reliance, improve urban living standards, and empower women and youth. Dhami said that Uttarakhand faces unique geographical and environmental challenges such as climate change, disaster management, sustainable agriculture, and water resource management. "Our state's fragile ecosystem requires careful planning and policy decisions that safeguard both people and the environment," he said. To address these challenges, the state government has entered into strategic collaborations with organisations such as Tata Trusts, NASSCOM, and the Wadhwani Foundation. These partnerships, Dhami said, are strengthening collective efforts towards social and economic development. "With Tata Trusts, we are focusing on water management, nutrition, telemedicine, rural livelihoods, and green energy. Similarly, with NASSCOM and the Wadhwani Foundation, we are training our youth in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and Python programming," he said. The Chief Minister said that these efforts are helping create new avenues for self-employment and entrepreneurship, enabling the youth of Uttarakhand to compete globally. "Through these innovative partnerships, we are working to position Uttarakhand as a model state for sustainable and inclusive development," he added. Expressing confidence in the state's progress, Dhami concluded by saying that Uttarakhand will continue to move forward with determination to meet the SDGs by 2030. "We are committed to building an equitable, resilient, and sustainable Uttarakhand that stands as an example for the rest of the country," he said....