Rural Out-Migration In Uttarakhand: Issues and Government Policies

Rural out-migration refers to people leaving their remote hill villages in search of better jobs, education, services and living condition elsewhere- within the state, to other Indian states, or abroad. This paper is an attempt to examine the rural out-migration in Uttarakhand (Garhwal Region) between the years 2018 to 2022. Uttarakhand has remained a persistent socio-economic challenge in the post 2020 period. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design and is used to examine migration trends and associated socio-economic factors between the study periods. The present research focuses on rural hill regions of Uttarakhand Garhwal region, particularly migration prone district such as Pauri Garhwal. The study includes secondary data information which is compiled from reports of the Uttarakhand Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission, Census of India (2011 and projections), government publications, research articles and policy reports (2018-2025). Both quantitative and qualitative approaches are used to understand the migration phenomenon. The study shows Comparative analysis of migration trends before and after 2020. Tens of thousands have migrated over the years, some temporarily, and others permanently. Many villages are now sparsely populated or abandoned- often referred to as “Ghost villages”. The findings indicate that lack of local employment opportunities, limited access to quality education and healthcare facilities, declining agricultural viability and inadequate infrastructure are the primary push factors driving migration.