Dehradun: Due to its outstanding performance and continued reforms in the mining sector under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand has once again secured a significant incentive from the Central Government. The Union Ministry of Mines has awarded Uttarakhand an additional ₹100 crore for minor minerals reforms under the Special Assistance Scheme for Mining (SASCI) for the year 2025-26. The state previously received an incentive of ₹100 crore for achieving the second position in the SMRI rankings in October 2025. Thus, thanks to its excellent reforms and improved policies in the mining sector, Uttarakhand has received a total incentive of ₹200 crore.
In recent years, the state has implemented improved policies emphasizing mining reforms, resulting in Uttarakhand achieving the No. 1 position in the country in the mining sector. The latest Office Memorandum issued by the Central Government, dated 18.11.2025, states that the state has implemented most of the reform measures related to the mining sector in a timely and effective manner. Specifically, six out of seven major reforms related to minor mineral reforms were successfully met, earning the state the first position.
The transparent and business-friendly policies adopted by the Uttarakhand government in the mining sector have led to an unprecedented increase in government revenue. The Mining Department’s robust management and new policies have not only strengthened the government’s coffers, but the mining business in the state is also providing employment to millions of people and financial benefits to millions of businessmen and entrepreneurs associated with it. Local people and government agencies are receiving affordable construction materials. Mining activities have also increased employment opportunities in the state and boosted the local economy.
The Central Government has acknowledged in its review report that Uttarakhand is making steady progress in the mining sector and is implementing reforms rapidly. In recognition of this performance, the Central Government has issued an order for an additional ₹100 crore from the Finance Ministry to the state.
Of the states included in the order—Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand—Uttarakhand has performed the best. According to the Ministry’s order, all states have made the mining reform process more effective.
With this achievement, it is clear that Uttarakhand’s mining sector is proving to be a major source of revenue for the state government. Due to increased transparency, improved policymaking, and timely reforms, Uttarakhand is now establishing a strong and credible presence in the country’s mining landscape! States like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir are also emulating Uttarakhand’s mining policies.
Several steps have been taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the mining sector in the state, including the e-auction system and satellite-based monitoring. The government is cracking down on illegal mining while keeping the environment in mind, and positive results are beginning to be seen.
Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.
