On the occasion of National Unity Day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Run for Unity organised at Pavilion Ground in Dehradun, where he flagged off the participating youth and encouraged them to uphold the values of national unity, integrity and brotherhood.
During the event, the Chief Minister made several significant announcements aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure, promoting youth development and improving the welfare of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel.
Honorarium Increase for PAC Personnel
The Chief Minister announced that the honorarium of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel would be increased. A meeting will be convened shortly to discuss the proposed enhancement.
Sports Clubs in Every Gram Panchayat
In a major initiative to promote sports at the grassroots level, Dhami announced the establishment of a Chief Minister’s Sports Club in every Gram Panchayat across Uttarakhand. The initiative aims to encourage participation in sports in rural areas and provide local sporting talent with better opportunities and facilities.
He also announced that vacant land near the Youth Centre in Amwala, Dehradun, would be transferred to the Youth Welfare Department. A mini stadium and an Agniveer Training Centre will be developed on the land, providing young people with access to sports facilities and dedicated training opportunities for military recruitment.
Increased Prize Money Under Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy
The Chief Minister announced substantial increases in prize money for winners of sports competitions conducted at different levels under the Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy.
The revised prize amounts are as follows:
Competition LevelFirst PrizeSecond PrizeThird PrizeNyaya Panchayat₹400 (from ₹300)₹300 (from ₹200)₹200 (from ₹150)Assembly Level₹700 (from ₹500)₹500 (from ₹400)₹400 (from ₹300)Parliamentary Constituency Level₹1,000 (from ₹800)₹800 (from ₹600)₹600 (from ₹400)State Level₹2,000 (from ₹1,500)₹1,500 (from ₹1,000)₹1,000 (from ₹700)
Additionally, the prize money for the overall winning district under the Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy, awarded through the Chief Minister’s Cup, will be doubled from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Championship Trophy to Expand to 50 Sports
Highlighting the importance of traditional sports, Dhami announced that the number of sporting disciplines under the Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy would be increased from the existing 32 to 50. Traditional sports will receive special attention as part of this expansion.
He also announced an increase in the overall budget allocated for organising the Championship Trophy to further strengthen sporting activities across the state.
Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Paying tribute to Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, the Chief Minister extended National Unity Day greetings to the people of Uttarakhand.
He said that through his strong determination, farsighted vision and exceptional leadership, Sardar Patel laid the foundation for a united and integrated India. His historic contribution to the integration of the princely states played a crucial role in building a strong nation.
Emphasising that being Indian is the country’s foremost identity, Dhami said this spirit should inspire citizens to rise above differences and work collectively towards national unity, integrity and development.
He further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary has been celebrated as National Unity Day since 2014.
The announcements made during the event reflect the state government’s focus on youth empowerment, grassroots sports development, traditional sporting disciplines and the welfare of security personnel.
