Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand has successfully secured another significant incentive from the Central Government due to its outstanding performance and ongoing reforms in the mining sector. The Ministry of Mines has allocated an additional ₹100 crore to Uttarakhand under the Special Assistance Scheme for the year 2025–26 aimed at reforms in minor minerals. Previously, in October 2025, the state also received ₹100 crore as an incentive for achieving the second position in the SMRI ranking. Consequently, Uttarakhand has received a total of ₹200 crore so far, thanks to its effective reforms and policies in the mining sector.
In recent years, the state has made considerable efforts toward mining reforms, resulting in its ascendance to the No. 1 position in the country in this sector. The latest office memorandum from the Centre, issued on November 18, 2025, indicates that the state has efficiently and promptly executed most reform-related actions in mining. Notably, Uttarakhand successfully fulfilled 6 out of 7 major criteria concerning minor mineral reforms, which secured its top ranking. The transparent and business-friendly policies of the Uttarakhand government have notably raised state revenue. Enhanced management in the mining department along with new policies has not only increased government earnings but has also created jobs for millions engaged in mining.
These reforms have also yielded economic benefits for numerous traders and entrepreneurs. Local communities and government agencies can now access construction materials at reduced costs. Mining activities have led to more employment opportunities and bolstered the local economy. The Central Government’s review report recognizes Uttarakhand’s consistent progress and swift implementation of mining reforms. In light of this performance, the Centre directed the Ministry of Finance to allocate an additional ₹100 crore to the state. Among the states listed in this directive—Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand—Uttarakhand’s performance has been rated the highest. The ministry noted that all states have enhanced their mining-related reform processes.
This achievement underscores that the mining sector is becoming a primary revenue source for the Uttarakhand government. With improved transparency, effective policymaking, and timely reforms, Uttarakhand is establishing a robust and credible reputation in the national mining sector. Other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, are also adopting Uttarakhand’s mining policies. To promote transparency and accountability in the mining sector, measures such as e-auction systems and satellite monitoring have been introduced. With a focus on environmental protection, the government is tightening control over illegal mining, and positive outcomes are becoming evident.
