Keywords
Statehood
Silver Jubilee
Development Deficit
Migration
Governance
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
The article provides a critical analysis of Uttarakhand's (a state of India) 25-year journey since its creation in 2000. While conceived as 'Devbhoomi' (land of gods) with the promise of equitable, hill-sensitive development, the state's silver jubilee celebrations contrast sharply with persistent ground realities. The article provides a critical analysis of Uttarakhand's 25-year journey since its creation in 2000. The study identifies some serious issue such as towards education with widespread school closures, considerable youth unemployment which has been made worse by paper leaks. Hilly rural areas face a existential threat from huge out-migration,leaving behind 'ghost villages', while issues like rising drug abuse and an unresolved capital debate in Gairsain underscore unfulfilled aspirations. The article makes the case that the celebratory narrative is detached from the everyday struggles of the average citizen for respectable livelihoods and basic facilities. It concludes that in order to realign the state's trajectory with its original foundational ideals of identity, environment, and inclusive development, significant progress necessitates an honest introspection from both civil society and government.
References
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