A team from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a meeting with Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh and other State officials here on Thursday.

During the meeting, the chief secretary sought cooperation from UNDP pertaining to technical support and skilled human resources for the schemes implemented in the state in the field of waste management, sustainable development partnership, livelihood, solar and wind power, micro-hydel project, health and drinking water. Singh said that the state has adequate sources of income available but to increase them, there is need for technical assistance from UNDP. He sought utilisation of UNDP's experience in the state regarding the work done by it in different countries in the area of climate change.

UNDP consultant Jacob J Simonsen talked about providing technical support to Uttarakhand in the field of tourism, climate change, disaster management, aromatic plants, small scale industries, self-help groups, branding of products, livelihood security and other aspects. Additional country director of UNDP, Rakesh Kumar said that in the field of climate change, necessary efforts will be made by UNDP in coordination with the Forest Department. He talked about giving support for the branding of the state products on the lines of Haryana in the field of livelihood and providing assistance for the waste management project. Additional chief secretary Radha Raturi gave information about the various welfare schemes implemented in the state for women empowerment and child development. To make these schemes more effective, she expected technical support from UNDP.

Rural development principal secretary Manisha Panwar drew attention to capacity building in the livelihood programme in rural areas. She said that there are adequate opportunities for employment and economic development of rural youth in wool related projects.  Power secretary Radhika Jha sought technical assistance in small hydro power projects, solar and wind power projects.