Fragrance Revolution Policy in Uttarakhand gets green light: Decision will prove to be a milestone in the state’s development

According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Tuesday approved the state’s ‘Uttarakhand Fragrance Revolution Policy 2026-2036’. In the first phase of the policy, 22,750 hectares of land will be brought under aromatic crops through 91,000 beneficiaries. Farmers will be provided subsidies of up to 80 percent on the cultivation cost of one hectare and up to 50 percent on the cost of more than one hectare. In addition to the Fragrance Revolution Policy, several other schemes were also considered, and various expenditures for education, housing, and prisons were approved. For school education, a well-equipped studio will be established to ensure the smooth operation of the PM e-Vidya program, under which five free educational TV channels are currently being broadcast by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). For the Housing Department, the state government will bear an additional estimated expenditure of ₹2,785 lakh (₹27 crore 85 lakh 7 thousand) to modify houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) as per specifications. The statement stated that 1,872 affordable houses are being constructed by the District Development Authority for the low-income group in Baghwala village, Rudrapur tehsil, Udham Singh Nagar district. In compliance with orders of the Honorable Supreme Court, the Uttarakhand State Primary Education (Teacher) Service Rules have been amended. Provision has been made for the appointment of Assistant Teachers (Special Education) in government primary schools to educate children with special needs. Additionally, in-service D.El.Ed. training conducted by NIOS through Open Distance Learning (ODL) between September 2017 and March 31, 2019, has been recognized for appointment to the post of Assistant Teacher (Primary).