Fifth Schedule and Tribe Status the Permanent Solution to Uttarakhand’s Problems: Uttarakhand Ekta Manch
SUNIL NEGI
Dehradun, 22 June.
A press conference was held today at the Doon Press Club/Uttaranchal Press Club, Dehradun, on the conclusion of the historic “Ekjut-Ekmut Yatra” organized by Uttarakhand Ekta Manch. On the occasion, detailed discussions were held on the experiences gained during the yatra, public sentiments, and the key problems of Uttarakhand’s hill regions along with their solutions.
Office bearers of Uttarakhand Ekta Manch said that several public movements are currently underway in Uttarakhand concerning land, resources, environmental conservation, employment, cultural identity, migration, Gairsain as the capital, and local rights. They stated that the capacity to provide long-term constitutional protection to all these issues lies in the implementation of the Fifth Schedule and the granting of Tribe Status.
At the press conference, it was explained that with the implementation of the Fifth Schedule, gram sabhas would gain greater powers through the PESA Act 1996, community participation in local resources would increase, and new employment opportunities would be created for local youth. It would also strengthen the protection of traditional culture, customs, and community rights.
Representatives of Uttarakhand Ekta Manch informed that the yatra, which ran from 4 June to 22 June 2026, began in Khatima and passed through several hill regions of the state including Champawat, Lohaghat, Pithoragarh, Gangolihat, Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Pauri, Tehri, and Uttarkashi. The entire yatra was managed by volunteer associates using their own personal resources and expenses.
The Manch said that during the yatra, people across the state showed serious interest in the subject and expressed widespread public support. People believe that a broad public discussion and participation is necessary to safeguard the rights, resources, and cultural identity of Uttarakhand’s native residents.
Based on the public opinion received during the yatra, Manch convener Anoop Bisht said that the biggest problems of Uttarakhand’s hill society are unemployment and migration. People were clear that if water, forests, land, local resources, culture, language, traditions, and local employment are to be given legal protection, then the Fifth Schedule and Tribe Status could prove to be the most effective constitutional arrangement.
The Manch appealed to the people of the state to study important subjects like the Fifth Schedule and Tribe Status and to support public representatives who stand for the interests of Uttarakhand, local rights, and the protection of native residents.
Uttarakhand Ekta Manch announced that large-scale public meetings and public dialogue programs will be organized across the state in the coming months. In this sequence, a massive public meeting will be held at Parade Ground, Dehradun, on 22 November 2026, to which the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, along with top leaders of all major political parties, public representatives, social organizations, and intellectuals, will be invited.
Present at the press conference were Advocate Abha Thapliyal, Mahavir Rana, Darban Singh Sugda, Pravesh Joshi, Anil Upreti, Captain Kuldeb Singh Negi, Ravindra Singh Sugda, and other key members associated with the yatra.
