Polity

Polity

 

FAQs on Polity of Uttarakhand

What is the structure of government in Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand follows a parliamentary system of government, similar to other Indian states. It has three branches:

  • Executive: Headed by the Governor, who is appointed by the President of India. The Chief Minister is the head of the government and leads the Council of Ministers.
  • Legislative: A unicameral legislature called the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) with 70 elected members.
  • Judiciary: The Uttarakhand High Court, located in Nainital, is the highest judicial authority in the state.

Who are the current Governor and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand?

The current Governor of Uttarakhand is Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.) and the Chief Minister is Pushkar Singh Dhami.

How many districts are there in Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand has 13 districts, divided into two divisions:

  • Garhwal Division: Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi.
  • Kumaon Division: Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar.

What are the main political parties in Uttarakhand?

The major political parties in Uttarakhand include:

  • Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • Indian National Congress (INC)
  • Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD)
  • Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
  • Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

How often are state elections held in Uttarakhand?

State elections are held every five years to elect members of the Legislative Assembly.

What are the unique features of Uttarakhand’s polity?

Uttarakhand has a few unique features in its polity:

  • Two capitals: Dehradun (winter capital) and Gairsain (summer capital).
  • Focus on sustainable development: The state has enacted laws to protect its environment and promote eco-tourism.
  • Challenges of hilly terrain: Governance faces unique challenges due to the mountainous terrain, including infrastructure development and disaster management.

Does Uttarakhand have a reservation policy?

Yes, Uttarakhand follows the reservation policy mandated by the Indian Constitution, providing reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in government jobs and educational institutions.

What is the role of the Governor in Uttarakhand?

The Governor is the constitutional head of the state and has several important roles:

  • Appointing the Chief Minister and other ministers
  • Summoning and proroguing the Legislative Assembly
  • Granting assent to bills passed by the legislature
  • Recommending President’s rule in case of constitutional breakdown