Uttarakhand’s Silver Jubilee: President Murmu Applauds State’s HDI

President Droupadi Murmu addressed a special session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in Dehradun during the state’s silver jubilee observance, praising improvements in Human Development Index parameters, rising literacy and declining maternal and infant mortality. She commended the House for transparency-focused lawmaking and highlighted women’s empowerment as a continuing priority.

Focus on Human Development indicators

The President said holistic development efforts have improved several HDI-linked outcomes. Literacy rates have risen while maternal and infant mortality have fallen, aided by attempts to expand accessible health services. She urged stakeholders to sustain momentum so social indicators translate into equitable opportunity across districts and hill regions.

Women’s representation and leadership

Applauding the Assembly for appointing Ritu Khanduri Bhushan as Uttarakhand’s first woman Speaker, the President expressed hope that the number of women legislators will increase. She framed women’s participation as central to good governance, emphasising that empowerment must reflect in leadership roles, labour-force participation and local self-government.

Uniform Civil Code and legislative record

Praising the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in the state, the President linked it to Article 44’s directive principles. She lauded past and present lawmakers for passing more than 550 bills, citing measures such as the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill, Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Bill, and an Anti-Cheating Bill as examples of transparency, morality and social justice in action.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Event: Special session address during Uttarakhand’s silver jubilee on November 3, 2025.
• Key themes: HDI improvements, higher literacy, lower maternal and infant mortality.
• Governance highlight: First woman Speaker—Ritu Khanduri Bhushan—appointed by the House.
• Policy note: State-level implementation of a Uniform Civil Code referenced under Article 44.

Silver jubilee itinerary and state responses

The President’s programme includes Nainital engagements: commemorating 125 years of Raj Bhavan, a visit to Neem Karoli Baba Ashram at Kainchi Dham, and presiding over Kumaun University’s 20th convocation. Governor Gurmit Singh underscored 25 years of progress in prosperity, governance, social justice and infrastructure, while Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked the President, invoking the contributions of statehood agitators as Uttarakhand approaches its November 9 foundation day.