The major challenges facing the development of the mountain regions have been subsistence agriculture and food deficits, persistent human poverty, adverse terms of trade and exploitative linkage relations, gender inequity, drudgery and environmental degradation.
Most of the hill states supposedly have the advantages in terms of hydro-electricity, forest resources, horticulture, tourism and amenities, and other hill-specific products. However, many of these resources, could not be developed or utilized primarily due to lack of appropriate development strategy.
This study grew out of an in depth study carried out in the Uttarakhand State as part of the research work undertaken at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The formation of an Independent Uttarakhand State has helped to focus on the developmental problems in the region and some positive results are visible in terms of increased accessibility communication and development works, but unless the developmental issues are dovetailed within the hill perspective most of the real issues will remain distant objectives.
The present study brings out some of the major issues that have wider ramifications for policy formulation and implementation with a view to providing a sustainable livelihood security and raising the living standards of the people of the mountain regions.
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