Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami pushes reverse migration; Pravasi Panchayats planned

New Delhi: While chairing the 10th meeting of the Uttarakhand Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission at the Chief Minister's residence on Friday, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the problem of migration has been a major challenge for the state.

However, in the last four to five years, the state government has taken several important steps to encourage reverse migration, he said.

Chief Minister Dhami said that several schemes have been implemented to enhance livelihoods in rural areas. Under these schemes, eligible beneficiaries are also provided subsidies on loans, which are strengthening the rural economy.


He directed officials to organize “Pravasi Panchayats” across the state. He also asked them to invite Uttarakhand migrants who are working in other countries to make them aware about the state government's initiatives relating to reverse migration and solicit their suggestions.

He further directed the members of the Commission to visit other states and provide information about the work done by the state government for reverse migration, besides studying the new ways relating to stop migration and promote reverse migration.

Highlighting the Triyuginarayan’s fast emergence as a popular wedding destination in the hill state, he told the officials to develop 25 new sites across the state as wedding destinations.

He directed the officials to pay special attention to providing all basic amenities at all such sites. He also gave special emphasis to promote small-scale industries for the development of mountainous regions.

Dr S.S. Negi, Vice Chairman of the Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission, claimed that a trend of reverse migration is now being seen in the state's rural areas. So far, approximately 6,282 people have returned to their villages. This includes those returning from within the country and abroad. Most are employed in the tourism and small-scale industries sectors and are moving towards self-reliance.

In the meeting, the members of the Commission presented several suggestions to further accelerate reverse migration.