From Uttarakhand to Delhi: Demand Special Assembly Session for Gairsain as permanent capital gains momentum

Strong protests in Delhi pressing for Gairsain as Uttarakhand’s permanent capital, increasing pressure on the government, with plans for large-scale foot marches if demands are not met soon.

New Delhi: Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000, becoming India's 27th state. More than 25 years have passed since its formation, but the state has yet to secure a permanent capital.

25 years on, Uttarakhand still awaits a permanent cap

Since its inception, there have been demands for Gairsain (Bharadiseain) to be the state's permanent capital. This demand is now gaining momentum, with protests taking place at various levels.

Protest and Memorandum at Jantar Mantar, Delhi

A large number of people from Uttarakhand gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Sunday to press for this demand. People from various parts of Uttarakhand, including Delhi-NCR, joined the protest and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Many longtime activists of the Uttarakhand movement, as well as local dignitaries, were present at the protest. At this event, organized at the call of the Permanent Capital Gairsain Committee, key speakers emphasized the need to make Gairsain the permanent capital.

Vinod Prasad Raturi's Call

Vinod Prasad Raturi, former Secretary of the Uttarakhand Government and Chief Convener of the Committee, stated that this movement will take a widespread form and that this long-standing demand of the people of the hills has remained unfulfilled due to the government's lack of political will.

He stated that the Uttarakhand government will be asked to convene a special assembly session to address the demand for a permanent capital. Furthermore, if the government does not take concrete steps in this direction, a foot march from Delhi, Dehradun, and other districts of the state to Gairsain is planned.

The Way to a Solution

Raturi stated that mountain youth are forced to leave their homeland and take up menial jobs in cities, leading to a steady increase in migration. The lack of education, health, and basic amenities in the hills is deepening.

They believe that if Gairsain is made the permanent capital, these problems will naturally be resolved, as it is located between Garhwal and Kumaon.

Expenditure and Suitability for the Development of Bhararisain

Former Secretary of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, Jagdish Chandra, stated that the government has invested significantly in various development projects, including the Assembly and Secretariat in Bhararisain.

Citing the Kaushik Commission report, he stated that Bhararisain is the most suitable capital for Uttarakhand. Its geographical and demographic characteristics make it the most suitable choice.

Appealing for Unity and Support from All Sections of Society

Other members of the committee and social workers also appealed for unity and support to carry forward this movement. Former IAS officer Kamal Dhyani called on all Uttarakhandi people and organizations to participate in this mass movement.

He stated that this fight will only end when Gairsain is declared the permanent capital. He urged people to contribute with all their heart, soul, and money.

The movement for a permanent capital for Uttarakhand has resurfaced. With widespread support across Uttarakhand, including Delhi, this demand is now exerting pressure on the government.

If a permanent capital is not announced soon, plans for large-scale protests and foot marches will be implemented in the near future. This movement could prove crucial in meeting the basic needs of the people of the hills and in the overall development of the state.