The Uttarakhand Transformation Dialogues 2026 started on Friday with senior leaders and officials gathering in Dehradun to discuss the state’s development journey. Dr R Meenakshi Sundaram, IAS, principal secretary (Power) and managing director, UIIDB, spoke in his key note address on “Uttarakhand’s Transformation: From Constraints to Capability”.He said, “There is a national goal before all of us to make India a developed country by 2047. We have been working steadily towards that. The government has liberalised land purchase norms and introduced labour interventions focused on skill development. To improve access to capital, policies for small industries and micro enterprises have been strengthened. In tourism, we have introduced sweeping monetary and non-monetary incentives. We are also supporting enterprise through incubation hubs such as IITs, IIMs and private universities.He added, “One of the most important reforms has been in complaint redressal, and reducing compliance burdens so businesses do not struggle with excessive procedures. We are unlocking the potential of land by reforming building laws to ensure maximum use of available space. Alongside this, there is a strong push in infrastructure, with focus on connectivity and energy generation. All these steps reflect how the government is working towards making the state a developed state by 2047.”Satpal Maharaj inaugurated the event along with other dignitaries through the traditional lighting of the lamp. Prasad Sanyal, Group Business Head, Timesofindia.com, Indiatimes and WhatsHot delivered an opening address.“At Times of India Digital, we believe transformation is a continuous process shaped by vision, enabled by policy, and strengthened by institutions,” he said.During the event, discussions are scheduled on several themes. These include “Nature to Nurture: Eco-Tourism, Wildlife & the Wellness Economy”, digital education, governance and public reason, and the role of women in Uttarakhand’s transformation. Other sessions will focus on infrastructure, education and AI-led investment, spirituality and wellness, cultural identity, and the road ahead for sustainable growth.The UK Transformation Dialogues 2026 is a strategic platform curated by The Times of India. It examines Uttarakhand’s shift from terrain-related and migration challenges to new growth opportunities.The initiative brings together government representatives, industry leaders and domain experts in Dehradun. It focuses on progress in tourism, infrastructure, hill economies, education, healthcare, women empowerment and grassroots enterprise.The platform is designed to encourage focused discussions on practical solutions, sustainable development and strengthening Uttarakhand’s economic identity. It aims to highlight opportunities within the state and support long-term, inclusive growth.
