Dehradun, Sept. 4 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said Uttarakhand's development requires long-term and well-planned strategies that address the unique challenges of a Himalayan state while effectively harnessing its natural resources and economic potential. Dhami stressed the need for greater emphasis on research, innovation and effective implementation in policy formulation, saying government policies and development schemes must be designed around state's unique geographical conditions, challenges and future requirements. Chairing a meeting of the Governing Body of the Uttarakhand State Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance (USCPPGG) at the Secretariat in Dehradun, Dhami said findings emerging from research and detailed studies should be effectively used to improve the implementation and outcomes of state policies and schemes. The CM said, "Uttarakhand requires long-term and well-planned development strategies that take into account the specific challenges of a Himalayan state while also making effective use of its natural resources and economic potential". He directed officials to prepare case studies based on the state's achievements and notable work carried out across different sectors. Such studies, he said, could help identify successful models and provide useful lessons for improving policies and programmes in the future. Dhami also laid emphasis on strengthening the training and capacity-building of government officials, particularly at the district and block levels. He said policies could deliver the intended results only when officials responsible for implementing them had adequate knowledge, motivation and administrative capacity. "Policy formulation and future action plans should be based on data and research, keeping in mind Uttarakhand's geographical conditions, challenges and potential," he said. During the meeting, the governing body approved a proposal to provide stipends for capstone projects to 10 postgraduate students annually from major universities in state. The initiative is aimed at encouraging students and academic institutions to undertake research and projects related to priority areas identified by the state government. The meeting also discussed the need to regularly evaluate government schemes and periodically review policies to assess their effectiveness. Members suggested setting annual monitoring targets for important programmes so that progress could be measured and corrective steps taken where required. Members of the governing body offered suggestions for Uttarakhand's holistic and long-term development, including promoting high-value and low-volume products and strengthening the micro, small and medium enterprises sector. They also suggested promoting home-based tourism in hill regions, saying the sector could generate employment and self-employment opportunities while enabling local communities to benefit directly from tourism. Detailed research and studies were recommended in eight key reform areas linked to Uttarakhand's future development. Members also emphasised the need for departments to identify priority areas according to the state's requirements and provide specific subjects for research. Soil health was identified as an important focus area, while members also stressed the need to further strengthen the healthcare sector. The governing body suggested greater efforts to train and motivate officials up to the block level to ensure that government schemes and policies were implemented effectively. State universities were encouraged to play a more active role in research and studies related to Uttarakhand's progress, development potential and future requirements....