Uttarakhand has established more than 29,000 new micro, small and medium enterprises in recent years, generating employment for around 127,000 young people, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said. He was speaking at the 7th CII Uttarakhand Industrial Summit and Expo-2026 in Haridwar.

Dhami said the state government was positioning itself as a partner and facilitator for businesses rather than limiting its role to regulation. It is working to create a transparent and simplified business environment by improving infrastructure, expanding online services and providing support to entrepreneurs and investors. Haridwar, he said, had developed into an important industrial centre alongside its status as a major spiritual destination.

The state’s single-window system now provides more than 206 services from 26 departments online. The government has also introduced the Nivesh Mitra mechanism to address issues faced by investors and entrepreneurs. Its startup policy includes a venture fund of Rs. 2 bn, intended to provide financial support and encourage young people to become employment generators.

An integrated manufacturing cluster is being developed at Khurpiya in Udham Singh Nagar across approximately 1,002 acres. The project is intended to support industrial activity and create investment and employment opportunities. Special industrial parks are also being planned in Chamoli, Pauri and Almora, while a flatted factory is being developed in Haridwar, with similar facilities planned for Selaqui and Pantnagar.

Dhami highlighted improvements in road, rail and air connectivity, including the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project and the Char Dham road project. The state is seeking to connect traditional products, handicrafts and local enterprises with larger markets through the One District, Two Products programme. Pharmaceuticals, herbal products, AYUSH, engineering and auto components are among the sectors expanding in Uttarakhand.

The state has been recognised as a Top Achiever under the Business Reforms Action Plan and ranked first in its category in the Export Preparedness Index 2024, according to Dhami. He urged entrepreneurs and investors to use the available opportunities and contribute to employment and investment generation.