In a significant move to tackle the long-standing issue of migration from its hills, the Uttarakhand government has unveiled a novel plan to organise Pravasi Panchayats across all 13 districts of the state. The initiative aims to encourage people who have left for work to return to their native villages by showcasing opportunities and government support.
Pithoragarh Chosen as Pilot District
The decision was formalised during the 10th meeting of the Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his residence in Dehradun on Friday. The government has selected Pithoragarh district as the pilot for this programme, with the first event slated for March next year.
CM Dhami highlighted that migration has been a persistent challenge for the Himalayan state. However, he noted that over the past four to five years, his administration has implemented several schemes aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas. These include providing grants and subsidies on loans to eligible beneficiaries, which has contributed to strengthening the local economy.
How the Pravasi Panchayats Will Work
The core idea behind the Pravasi Panchayat is to create a direct dialogue platform. In these gatherings, people who have already returned to Uttarakhand after working outside will share their first-hand experiences and success stories with villagers.
Simultaneously, government officials will use the forum to inform locals about the various schemes, incentives, and assistance available for those willing to come back and start businesses or other livelihood activities. Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to ensure migrants working both within India and abroad are invited to these panchayats.
"They should be informed about the state government's initiatives related to reverse migration, and their suggestions should also be taken," Dhami stated.
Bridging the Information Gap
SS Negi, Vice Chairman of the Migration Prevention Commission, explained the rationale behind the initiative. He pointed out that a lot of migration is to nearby towns or districts, and many people remain unaware of the support systems the state government has put in place.
"When people who have already returned share their experiences along with officials explaining government support, it can motivate others to come back," Negi told TOI. He added that the tangible impact of past policies is already visible, with 6,282 people having migrated back to the state in recent years.
Following the pilot event in Pithoragarh, the government plans to systematically extend the Pravasi Panchayat programme to the remaining districts. This structured approach underscores Uttarakhand's committed strategy to repopulate its villages and revitalise its rural economy by turning the tide on migration.
