Gairsain Capital Movement – Uttarakhand (2017)

Introduction

In 2017, Praaveen Kumar Singh joined the long-standing people’s movement demanding the declaration of Gairsain as the permanent capital of Uttarakhand. The demand was not just administrative — it was symbolic of the original vision of statehood: balanced regional development and dignity for hill communities.

Background & Reason

Since Uttarakhand’s creation in 2000, the debate over a permanent capital remained unresolved. While Dehradun continued to function as the temporary capital, many citizens and activists believed Gairsain, located in the heart of the state, represented regional equity, decentralization, and a fair distribution of governance.Gairsain was envisioned as a capital by statehood activists to reflect the aspirations of the hill population, but that vision remained unfulfilled. The movement was about restoring that promise.

Key Actions by Praaveen Kumar Singh

Participated in a hunger strike at Gairsain alongside fellow activists to demand immediate action from the state government.
Advocated the principle of “One State, One Capital”, challenging the dual-capital structure which increased administrative cost and complexity.
Led padyatras and community mobilisation efforts in support of Gairsain’s rightful place as capital.
Connected the demand to a broader vision of inclusive governance, administrative decentralization, and fulfillment of the original statehood promise.
Positioned the demand not as a regional rivalry, but as a moral and historical responsibility owed to those who fought for Uttarakhand’s creation.

Impact & Outcome

Helped maintain consistent pressure on the state government, keeping Gairsain in the political and media discourse.
Strengthened grassroots support and unity across hill regions advocating for capital justice.
Reinforced public memory around the statehood movement’s unfulfilled goals, making it clear that the fight was ongoing.
Contributed to a sustained movement that connected infrastructure with identity, and policy with people’s history.

Why It Matters

This movement was about representation, justice, and accountability. A capital city is not just a location — it is a statement of who matters. By demanding Gairsain, Praaveen and fellow activists stood for an Uttarakhand that keeps its promises, uplifts its people, and governs with fairness.

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