‘Reverse migration’ is one of the ways Uttarakhand expects to balance economic growth between the hills and the plains. This concept has existed ever since the state was formed, but have policy makers fully understood the idea? Which section of society is it that they wish should return to the hills, and what is the possibility of it happening?
It is definitely difficult for the less well-off sections of society that have migrated to the plains and other states to return to their homes. This is because the hills still lack the required amenities to raise families, such as good quality schools, hospitals, job opportunities, etc. For the same reason, it is difficult for the elderly, even if they are comparatively better-off, to retire to their ancestral villages and other remote areas, although there have been cases of some people having done so. All the summits and meets held for non-resident Uttarakhandis largely focus on investors whose entrepreneurial activities would largely be grounded in the plains, being in the industrial sector.
This leaves the tourism, horticulture and adventure activities (apart from the already crowded pilgrimage routes) that would be centered around the demographic comprising successful youth and middle-aged professionals that wishes to add quality to life while, at the same time, investing its earnings in opportunities other than SIPs. And, as the economy invariably carves its own path, this is already happening. Many successful young people are returning to the state and establishing small resorts, adventure destinations, and other activity centres on an appropriate scale exactly where the state would desire. Some are even setting up orchards, and Ayurveda-based ventures.
The state government needs to study this trend and work out what is required to encourage it. Tax breaks could be one such initiative. Work is on regarding establishing a road network, perhaps the quality of existing ones could be improved to make them safer and useable. Also, there could be self-sustaining communities established at suitable sites for those who can ‘work from home’ and wish to get away from the pollution and stressful lifestyles of big cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, etc. These too would be from the younger section of society with the means and physical capability to make the most of such destinations. Just their presence over time would ensure that the amenities that are presently lacking come up to the required level, providing the base for a larger spectrum of population. This is the direction in which the government should be looking if it wishes for its policies to succeed.
