The Aryavarth Express
Yashpal Arya
Pushkar Singh Dhami
Gairsain
Gairsain (Uttarakhand): The Congress party staged a large protest outside the Uttarakhand Assembly premises on Tuesday, demanding a discussion on key public issues such as unemployment, inflation, and law and order.
Thousands of party workers gathered near the assembly building in Bhararisain, near Gairsain. Police set up barricades to stop the protesters, but several demonstrators attempted to cross them, leading to tense scenes as police personnel tried to control the crowd.
Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, Yashpal Arya, said the Congress Legislature Party wants the Assembly session to proceed smoothly while ensuring that critical issues affecting the people are discussed.
“We want the House to function in an orderly manner and have always taken constructive initiatives. Today is Question Hour, and we request the Speaker to allow discussion on major issues facing the state,” Arya told reporters.
The protest comes a day after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented the state budget of ₹1.11 lakh crore for the 2026–27 financial year in the Assembly.
While presenting the budget, Dhami said the government aims to promote overall development through the GYAN model, which focuses on four pillars: the poor, youth, farmers (annadata), and women’s empowerment.
According to the Chief Minister, the government’s goal is to ensure inclusive development and build a prosperous and self-reliant Uttarakhand by connecting every section of society to growth.
The budget also includes increased allocations for welfare schemes aimed at improving the living standards of economically weaker sections. Key provisions include ₹1,300 crore for the Annapurti Scheme, ₹298.35 crore for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), and ₹56.12 crore for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).
To boost employment and self-employment among youth, the government has allocated ₹60 crore for the Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme, ₹10 crore for the Migration Prevention Scheme, and ₹62.29 crore for the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Rural Skill Development Scheme.
