Self-employment in border areas: Uttarakhand's mantra

Solar power projects, Ringal products, poly-houses and other similar projects would form the focus of self-employment opportunities in the border areas of Uttarakhand.

Besides, different training programmes in paragliding, candles making, food processing and related activities are also being conducted in the border areas, an official statement said.

This was decided at a meeting of the border area development programme (BADP) held at the secretariat here on Monday. The meeting, presided over by chief secretary Alok Kumar Jain, also noted that the first installment of Rs 15.24 crore has already been sent for the border area in the state, while the total grant from the Centre is Rs 35.65 crore.

A total of 674 works are being undertaken in the border areas of Pithoragarh, Champawat, Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Bageshwar districts.

The chief secretary asked district magistrates of the respected areas to undertake development works keeping in mind the local needs of the border people.

The meeting noted a solar power project of 1.5 Kv at Harsil area of Uttarakashi district was also being set up under the BADP. Construction of polyhouses are also being under taken in some areas, the statement said.