The state of Uttarakhand (formerly known as Uttaranchal) was officially
created on November 9, 2000, following the passage of the Uttar Pradesh
Reorganization Act. On this date, the hilly regions of the state of
Uttar Pradesh were separated to form the new state of Uttarakhand. This
division was aimed at addressing the unique cultural, geographical, and
administrative needs of the hilly areas in the northern part of the
country. Dehradun was established as the capital of the newly created
state.
Key points about the Uttarakhand movement:
Historical Background: The movement for a separate state of Uttarakhand had been a longstanding demand of the people in the hilly regions of the state of Uttar Pradesh. They argued that they faced neglect and underdevelopment compared to the more populous and urbanized plains of the state.
Activism and Protests: The movement gained momentum in the 1990s, with activists and political leaders leading protests and rallies to press for statehood. They cited economic, cultural, and administrative reasons for the demand.
Political Leaders: Prominent leaders of the movement included Chandra Singh Garhwali, Indra Jeet Singh, and others who played a significant role in advocating for the separate state.
Formation of Uttarakhand: On November 9, 2000, the Indian government passed the Uttar Pradesh Reorganization Act, which led to the formation of the state of Uttarakhand on November 9, 2000. The new state of Uttarakhand was carved out of the hilly regions of Uttar Pradesh.
Dehradun as the Capital: Dehradun was designated as the capital of the newly created state.
The formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state fulfilled the aspirations of the people in the region and allowed for more focused attention on the development and governance of the hilly areas. The movement and subsequent statehood are considered a significant milestone in India's federal structure, recognizing the diversity and regional needs of different parts of the country.