NRIs from Uttarakhand present plans for ‘adopted’ villages | Dehradun News

DEHRADUN: Non-resident Uttarakhandis have identified villages under the “Adopt a Village” programme and presented development plans to the state govt. The initiative originated from a dialogue between chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and NRIs in March 2024, and will be a key topic at the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan in Dehradun on Jan 12.
Dhami said, “A detailed development plan is being prepared based on their suggestions, with the aim of making these villages role models for development and inspiration for other migrants.”
Among the participants, Dev Raturi from China is focusing on solar lighting and employment in Tehri’s hotel industry. Entrepreneur Shailesh Upreti from the USA has initiated projects in Almora. For Osla village, Uttarkashi, Vinod Jethuri from the UAE has plans for skill training initiatives, while Girish Pant from Pithoragarh is promoting education and local products in Bujet and Barsayat villages. Dr A K Kala from Thailand has plans to support meritorious students in Pauri, and Neeru Adhikari from the UK has proposed kiwi farming and skill development projects in Nainital and Dehradun.
The programme seeks holistic development of the villages through the expertise, experience, and financial support of Uttarakhandis settled abroad. It is voluntary, allowing migrants to select any village. The state govt will collaborate with them to create a development roadmap for the initial 2-3 years. Memorandums of understanding (MOUs) will be signed between the NRIs and local administrations, with district officials overseeing activities, which include education, internet connectivity, scholarships, entrepreneurship, and skill development. Construction is permitted only in essential cases.