The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), in collaboration with the Department of Skill Development, on Thursday held a stakeholder consultation on “Skilling for Char Dham Yatra 2026”.The meeting was inaugurated by cabinet minister Saurabh Bahuguna and attended by tourism secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, skill development secretary C Ravishankar, additional tourism secretary Abhishek Rohilla, and additional secretary Narendra Singh Bhandari, along with officials and stakeholders. A 12-part “Skill Samvad Series” was also launched. It focused on workforce readiness and local livelihood participation in the pilgrimage sector.The discussions were divided into two panels. The first panel focused on frontline Yatra workers such as guides, porters, drivers, and hospitality staff. It recommended setting minimum competency standards for all roles ahead of the Yatra season. It also suggested short, modular training programmes in local languages for seasonal workers, along with certification and ID-based recognition systems.Training areas discussed included first aid, high-altitude safety, weather awareness, and crowd management. Officials noted that standardisation of skills could improve pilgrim safety and provide formal recognition to workers engaged in Yatra services.The second panel focused on local communities and entrepreneurs, including homestays, vendors, artisans, and self-help groups. It discussed “Yatra-ready” homestay standards while retaining local cultural identity. Other suggestions included strengthening food safety and hygiene, waste management, and supporting local products through branding and GI tagging.Linking skill development with credit access, digital payments, and market linkages was also suggested to improve local participation in the tourism economy. Minister for skill development & employment Saurabh Bahuguna said, “Char Dham Yatra is not only a spiritual journey but also a vital livelihood ecosystem for thousands of people. Our focus must be on ensuring that skilling leads to employment, dignity, and long-term sustainability, while building systems that continue to deliver quality services consistently”.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Political Demonetisation’: Shashi Tharoor Blasts Govt For Linking Women Quota To DelimitationRed Fort Blast Probe Twist: White Collar Module Used JeM Name To Mask Bigger Terror Revival PlanPakistan Reacts After India’s Delimitation Bill Includes Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & KashmirTCS Nashik Row Takes Twist As Accused’s Kin Calls Case Scripted, Alleges Bajrang Dal’s Involvement’International Law Must Be Respected’: India Urges Restoration Of Safe Navigation In Hormuz At UNGA’Pakistan’s Role Discussed’: Shashi Tharoor On Foreign Secretary Briefing On West Asia Conflict‘I Am Warning Govt’: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Says Delimitation Could Become ‘Permanent Wound’’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters123PhotostoriesApril New Moon 2026: Manifest your desires on New Moon night; based on your numberRicky Ponting’s ₹173 crore ‘trophy home’ in Toorak, Melbourne screams luxury with a private tennis court, designer pool, and cricket memorabilia10 unforgettable souvenirs from Nepal trip that capture the spirit of the Himalayas7 places where nature’s loudest sounds can be heardChef Ranveer Brar appointed Odisha Brand Ambassador: What makes Odisha’s Temple Cuisine so sacred and special12 research-backed habits highly intelligent people avoid but most people do every day5 Japanese wisdom quotes to help kids stay strong and keep goingViswanathan Anand’s Chennai home: A blend of simplicity, legacy, and chess8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaDelhi Brigadier Assualt CaseMadhya Pradesh Rape NewsPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), in collaboration with the Department of Skill Development, on Thursday held a stakeholder consultation on “Skilling for Char Dham Yatra 2026”.The meeting was inaugurated by cabinet minister Saurabh Bahuguna and attended by tourism secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, skill development secretary C Ravishankar, additional tourism secretary Abhishek Rohilla, and additional secretary Narendra Singh Bhandari, along with officials and stakeholders. A 12-part “Skill Samvad Series” was also launched. It focused on workforce readiness and local livelihood participation in the pilgrimage sector.The discussions were divided into two panels. The first panel focused on frontline Yatra workers such as guides, porters, drivers, and hospitality staff. It recommended setting minimum competency standards for all roles ahead of the Yatra season. It also suggested short, modular training programmes in local languages for seasonal workers, along with certification and ID-based recognition systems.Training areas discussed included first aid, high-altitude safety, weather awareness, and crowd management. Officials noted that standardisation of skills could improve pilgrim safety and provide formal recognition to workers engaged in Yatra services.The second panel focused on local communities and entrepreneurs, including homestays, vendors, artisans, and self-help groups. It discussed “Yatra-ready” homestay standards while retaining local cultural identity. Other suggestions included strengthening food safety and hygiene, waste management, and supporting local products through branding and GI tagging.Linking skill development with credit access, digital payments, and market linkages was also suggested to improve local participation in the tourism economy. Minister for skill development & employment Saurabh Bahuguna said, “Char Dham Yatra is not only a spiritual journey but also a vital livelihood ecosystem for thousands of people. Our focus must be on ensuring that skilling leads to employment, dignity, and long-term sustainability, while building systems that continue to deliver quality services consistently”.
