Govt steps up measures to curb demographic changes
By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 19 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s recent order for an inquiry into permanent residence certificates (PRCs) issued in Uttarakhand over the past three years has drawn sharp reactions from the Congress. Newly appointed PCC Chief Ganesh Godiyal today questioned the intent and timing of the move claiming that the BJP government was indulging in vote bank politics through this move.
Ganesh Godiyal said that by issuing permanent residence certificates (PRCs) in violation of established rules, the rights of the State’s original residents have been undermined. He noted that the Congress had long been demanding a halt to such certificates issued without adherence to regulations and had previously called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Godiyal observed that since the CM has now ordered an inquiry into residence certificates issued over the last three years and claimed that the move makes it evident that the concerns raised by the Congress were justified and that there is strong evidence of wrongdoing by certain people involved. The PCC Chief alleged that the government itself bears responsibility for this situation, as the administration created room for such irregularities by relaxing the rules. He further demanded that the CM explain when and how the rules governing permanent residence certificates were eased during the eight and a half years of BJP rule in Uttarakhand. He also accused Dhami of attempting to shift the blame onto officials to shield himself, stating that while erring officials must certainly be punished, the BJP organisation and the Chief Minister cannot absolve themselves of accountability and remain equally responsible for the situation.
Godiyal asserted that the Congress has been consistently raising this issue for the past two years, maintaining that the government diluted the rules on permanent residence certificates to deprive local citizens of their rightful protections. He added that although the CM has spoken of punishing officials, the people of Uttarakhand are already prepared to hold the BJP government accountable in the near future.
It may be recalled that Uttarakhand’s persistent demographic change has emerged as a growing challenge, prompting the State Government to adopt a series of stringent measures. While verification drives are being conducted across the State in response to shifting demographic patterns, ration card holders are also undergoing scrutiny. Alongside the probe into permanent residence certificates issued over the past three years, the Government has also announced that voter identity cards of people residing in areas bordering Uttar Pradesh will also be verified.
Following reports of fake documents and illegal settlements in various parts of Uttarakhand, the Government intensified its actions against demographic imbalance, beginning with the enforcement of a stricter land law. The State also launched the Kalnemi campaign and, additionally, approved the Devbhoomi Family Scheme in a recent Cabinet meeting as part of its efforts to curb demographic change. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has repeatedly stated that Uttarakhand’s original character will not be allowed to change under any circumstances.
The issue is particularly pronounced in areas adjoining the Uttar Pradesh border, where demographic change has become a serious concern. The population pressure from non-residents in urban areas is steadily increasing, affecting the State’s cultural identity, social structure, and available resources. Several instances have surfaced in which individuals have secured ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and access to government schemes through forged documents, prompting the administration to take firm action. Under the ongoing verification drive, the Government is examining fraudulent documents on a priority basis.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has affirmed that decisive measures will continue to be taken to safeguard the State’s identity and maintain rule of law.
