Implementation of Back to Village Programme in Ladakh to curb Rural to Urban migration
LEH: The government of Ladakh union territory is of the intention to implement the Back to Village programme across the twin districts of Leh and Kargil to stop the migration of people from rural to urban areas.
In an effort to address the growing issue of rural-urban migration in the UT, the administration would properly implement the Back to Village programme, an initiative aimed to encourage people to stay in their rural areas by providing them with enhanced facilities, opportunities, and improved living conditions. The programme is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable development and preserve the unique cultural heritage of Ladakh.
Ladakh has been witnessing a significant influx of people migrating from rural areas to urban centers in search of better employment and educational opportunities. This mass migration has put immense pressure on the limited resources and infrastructure in urban areas, leading to various socio-economic challenges.
The Back to Village programme focuses on revitalizing rural areas by addressing the core issues that drive migration. One of the key objectives is to create employment opportunities in rural sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts among other sectors. By promoting these sectors, the programme aims to generate income for the rural population, making them self-sufficient and less reliant on urban areas.
A day ago, the Lt Governor of Ladakh, BD Mishra held a meeting with HODs and Department Secretaries and reviewed their working and implementation of Back to Village programme in the UT.
The programme aims to improve the basic amenities and infrastructure in rural areas like upgrading healthcare facilities, providing better education facilities, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and improving road connectivity. By this major initiative, the administration hopes to make rural areas more attractive and livable for the local population, eventually stopping the rural to urban migration of people.
According to sources, efforts will be made to revive traditional practices, like organic farming and traditional crafts, which can provide sustainable livelihood options for the rural population. The administration plans to involve various stakeholders, including local communities, government departments, NGOs, and experts. The active participation of these stakeholders will help in identifying the specific needs of each village and tailoring the interventions accordingly.
The Back to Village programme will be a significant step towards curbing rural-urban migration, the administration acknowledges that it is just one part of a comprehensive strategy.Development programs, promoting entrepreneurship, and attracting investment in rural areas, are other measures which will be embedded to create a favorable environment.
