Uttarakhandies demand inclusion of the Himalayan state in the 5 th Schedule of the Constitution at a massive protest at Jantar Mantar

SUNIL NEGI

After Uttarakhand became a separate entity as a full fledged state on November 9, 2000 with 43 invaluable sacrifices and thousands of people struggling hard for years together with hundreds of them jailed, the people of the state and those living elsewhere had thought that the new state will ensure their overall upliftment economically, socially, medically, industrially and educationally. But even after twenty four years of governance by two national political parties turnwise all their aspirations were thrown to winds with migration being massive and thousands of Uttarakhand villages becoming ghost villages and wild animals literally destroying the agriculture including the lives of the remaining population. About three to ten thousand schools in the interior villages have been closed with more than thirty lakh local populace migrating to cities, towns, metropolises and even abroad for want of jobs, health facilities and quality education for their children. In addition to these losses the politicians amassed huge wealth and the liquor, land, mining and building mafias have their fullest say with criminals from other states making the land of abode of Gods their safe haven. Today Uttarakhand’s economy too is in doldrums where its fiscal deficit has allegedly crossed Rs70000 crores which was merely Rs 4 thousand in 2004. The state economy in peril raises its losses from massive sale of liquor in various parts of the state with even liquor outlets opened in provision stores having the annual turnover of fifty lakhs or so. The drugs have also entered Uttarakhand with young generation becoming its easy victim.

Just two days ago the Commissioner of Kumaon Mandal ( Nainital) Deepak Rawat has revealed how hundreds of innocent land buyers have been sold the land for the second time clandestinely with fake papers costing more than two crores. Such fake land deals have become order of the day with the miners allegedly extracting hundreds of trucks of natural resources daily in league with politicians resulting in massive loss to public exchequer.

After the lifting of ceiling on 12.5 acres of land during the tenure of BJP in 2017 almost sixty percent of the land have allegedly been sold to ultra rich outsiders thus destroying our demography including building of thousands of resorts on Riversides inviting chances of massive destruction in case disasters of the 2013 Kedarnath nature arrives again as Uttarakhand already comes under Zone 5, prone to earthquakes and tectonic upheavals.

As a result of these serious drawbacks and Uttarakhand gradually becoming population less in the rural areas with legislative assembly seats too decreasing and the seats of the Plains increasing phenomenally the Uttarakhand Ekta Manch has organised a massive rally at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi demanding inclusion of Uttarakhand under the fifth schedule of Uttarakhand. The rally was a grand success.

The gathering, termed the ‘Uttarakhand Native Parliament,’ highlighted the urgent need to address depopulation, unemployment, and environmental challenges in the Himalayan region.

Nishant Rauthan, also of the Uttarakhand Ekta Manch, pointed out that the 5th Schedule status existed in the region under the Scheduled District Act of 1874 and the Excluded Area declaration of 1935. However, these rights were withdrawn in 1972. He stated that Uttarakhand’s hill residents meet the criteria required for tribal status, citing the example of Himachal Pradesh, where 43% of the land falls under the 5th Schedule.
Dr. Ajay Rawat, a historian, explained that the indigenous Khasas have inhabited the region for centuries, a fact supported by historical documents and cultural practices. He noted that the people of Uttarakhand, like other Himalayan tribal communities, are nature worshippers and have retained traditions reflective of their tribal roots.
Mahinder Singh Rawat elaborated on the region’s rich tribal heritage, citing unique festivals, rituals, and cultural practices such as Phool dei, Harela, Igas Bagwal, Kathpatiya, and Jagar that are still prevalent in the region. “These elements of daily life strongly establish the tribal character of Uttarakhand’s hill communities,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Anup Bisht, Convenor of Uttarakhand Ekta Manch, emphasized that migration from the hills due to lack of employment and non-profitable rain-fed farming has left thousands of villages abandoned. “Many hill residents initially believed they would return after finding employment in cities. However, most never make it back, leaving the villages deserted,” he said. Bisht argued that implementing the 5th Schedule in Uttarakhand would create employment opportunities, encouraging people to return to their ancestral homes.
Former Lieutenant G.S Negi highlighted the strategic importance of the region. “With two international borders, the depopulation of Uttarakhand’s mountainous areas poses significant national security risks. Reviving these areas is crucial from a security perspective,” he said.

The gathering concluded with a resolution urging the government to declare the hilly region of Uttarakhand as a tribal area and include it in the 5th Schedule. The attendees expressed hope that Uttarakhand’s elected representatives would present and pass this resolution in the state assembly at the earliest.

The author, journalist and president of Uttarakhand Journalists Forum Sunil Negi addressing a rally at Jantar Mantar with Suresh Nautiyal two years ago demanding inclusion of Uttarakhand in sixth Schedule of Uttarakhand.