Dehradun: The tenth meeting of the Uttarakhand Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission was held today, Friday, December 19, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Migration was discussed in detail at this meeting. CM Dhami said that the problem of migration has been a major challenge for the state, but in the last four-five years, the state government has taken many important steps to encourage reverse migration.
The Chief Minister said that various schemes have been implemented to increase livelihood opportunities for people in rural areas. Under these schemes, eligible beneficiaries are also being given subsidies on loans, which is giving a boost to the rural economy.
The CM instructed the officials to organize migrant panchayats across the state, inviting migrants working in India and abroad. They should be informed about the state government’s initiatives related to reverse migration, and their suggestions should also be sought.
The Chief Minister also instructed the members of the commission to visit other states to gather information about the work done by the state government for reverse migration, and to study innovations related to preventing migration and promoting reverse migration. He also directed that 25 new sites in the state be developed as wedding destinations on the lines of Triyuginarayan. Special attention should be paid to all basic amenities at these sites. Emphasis was also placed on promoting small-scale industries for the development of hilly areas.
Meanwhile, Dr. SS Negi, Vice Chairman of the Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission, said that a trend of reverse migration is now being seen in the rural areas of the state. So far, about 6282 people have returned to their villages. These include people who have returned from within the country and from abroad. Most of them are working in the tourism and small-scale industry sectors. They are also moving towards self-reliance.
In the last four years, about 6282 people who had migrated from the state have returned through reverse migration and are now doing business in their villages. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami discussed this in detail during a meeting today.
He also stated that the Chief Minister has given instructions to hold meetings with the diaspora. Contact should be made with people from Uttarakhand living in various states, and discussions should be held with them. They should be encouraged to return to their home state. Of the migrants who have returned in the last four years, 38 percent have adopted horticulture and agriculture. 20 percent have engaged in homestays, tourism, and other related activities. The remaining people are involved in various other businesses.
