CM Dhami outlines education and jobs push to keep Uttarakhand youth from leaving the state

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said his government is working to expand education, skill development and employment opportunities within the state to reduce migration among young people.

Dhami made the remarks while interacting with more than 1,400 students from 17 schools at a youth and student dialogue programme in Kashipur on Sep 19. The interaction focused on education, employment, technology, skill development and the role of young people in the state’s development.

Focus on education and technology

Dhami said the government was expanding its virtual classroom network and has established 189 Atal Utkrisht schools. Government schools in the state are also following an NCERT-based curriculum, according to the chief minister.

He also highlighted plans for a science city in Dehradun and technology centres in every district. The initiatives, he said, are intended to give students greater exposure to science, technology and new skills.

The government has also been promoting STEM laboratories, science and innovation activities and programmes aimed at developing scientific thinking among students, according to details shared during the programme.

Youth Commission to support employment

Responding to students' questions about jobs, Dhami said a Youth Commission would work towards creating employment opportunities and connecting young people with government services after they complete their education.

He also said the government wants young people to become job creators rather than remain limited to seeking jobs. Startups, innovation and demand-based skill development are among the areas being promoted for this purpose.

The chief minister also announced that an Agniveer Cell is being formed to support the future employment and other needs of Agniveers after their service.

Education and jobs linked to migration

Migration has remained a recurring issue in discussions around Uttarakhand, particularly in the state's hill regions. Dhami said young people should not have to leave their homes because they lack access to education, employment and skills opportunities.

He said the government was working to create industrial and employment opportunities within the state, while also improving basic facilities and connectivity in villages.

At a separate student interaction earlier this month, Dhami had also said that migration for education or employment is not necessarily negative when it gives young people greater exposure and experience. He distinguished this from migration driven by a lack of opportunities in the hills and said the government was working to expand opportunities there.

Students raise AI, cybercrime and corruption

During the Kashipur interaction, students also asked Dhami about artificial intelligence, cybercrime and corruption.

On AI, he described the technology as both a challenge and an opportunity and said young people need to develop skills suited to technological changes. He also reiterated the government's stated zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and directed people to report demands for bribes through the state's complaint mechanisms.

Dhami urged students to concentrate on their studies, develop their skills and maintain confidence while preparing for future opportunities.